Upgrading Army radars, Pg 16.

Key Highlights:

• The Indian Army is upgrading its air defense network along the northern and western borders with advanced air defense (AD) radars.
• This upgrade follows Operation Sindoor, during which numerous Pakistani UAVs breached Indian airspace.
• The Army plans to acquire up to 45 Low Level Light Weight Radars (Enhanced), 48 Air Defence Fire Control Radar-Drone Detectors (ADFCR-DD), and 10 Low Level Light Weight Radars (Improved).
• These new radars are designed to detect and engage aerial objects with small radar cross-sections (RCS), such as drones.

Detailed Insights:

• Operation Sindoor highlighted the vulnerability of Indian airspace to low-cost drones used to camouflage surveillance and attack drones.
• The procured Low Level Light Weight Radars (LLLWRs) and Air Defence Fire Control Radar-Drone Detectors (ADFCR-DDs) aim to counter threats from small, low-flying aerial objects.
• These radars will enhance the ability to differentiate between friendly and hostile targets in cluttered airspace, crucial for modern warfare scenarios.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) uses high and medium power radars for larger threats, while both the Army and IAF utilize LLLRs for lower altitude targets.
• India's air defense infrastructure includes AD guns, surface-to-air missiles like S-400s and Akash, and systems like Akashdeep for coordinated operations.
• The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) integrates data from all air defense assets for threat detection and interception.
• Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to establish a comprehensive air defense shield, with the DRDO testing the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS).

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Radar: An electronic system using radio waves to determine the direction, distance, and velocity of objects.
• RCS (Radar Cross-Section): A measure of how detectable an object is by radar; larger RCS means greater detectability.
• Surveillance Radars: Constantly scan the skies to detect aerial objects and are not directly connected to weapon systems.
• Fire Control Radars: Help surface-to-air guns or missiles target aerial threats by providing precise target data.