Did Pakistan Detect Indian Missiles? How Does A Radar System Work? Explained

News18

07-05-2025

Last Updated:
Pakistan's radar and missile defence technologies include Chinese-made HQ-9/P & LY-80 systems. However, the effectiveness of these radars may be limited to India's SEAD strategies
India's Operation Sindoor destroyed nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, with questions arising whether Islamabad's radar system was able to detect New Delhi's missiles.
Pakistan media has reported that its air defence forces engaged in the incoming threats. According to Pakistan Today, the country's military has invested in various radar and missile defence technologies, including the Chinese-made HQ-9/P and LY-80 systems, to enhance its capability to monitor and intercept aerial threats.
Let us understand how does a radar system work, and what is Pakistan's defence system.
What Is A Defence Radar System?
Militaries across the world use a specialised electronic system to detect, track, identify and monitor airborne, surface-to-surface and space-borne aircraft, missiles, drones and ships.
It plays a crucial role in early warning, surveillance and target acquisition within a country's air defence and missile defence strategy.
How Does Radar Missile Operation Work?
The system operates by transmitting electromagnetic waves (radio or microwaves) and analyzing the reflected signals (echoes) to provide real-time information about potential threats. These systems are critical for air defense, missile defense, maritime surveillance, and battlefield awareness.
Radar is an acronym for 'Radio Detection and Ranging", and it works by emitting a burst of radio waves and then listening for their reflection off objects.
Detection: In the first step, the radar can calculate the distance, speed, and direction of the target depending on the time it takes for the waves to return and the shift in their frequency (Doppler shift). In some instances, a missile radar system may work in conjunction with an external system, to detect potential targets. Once a target is identified, the missile is launched.
Tracking: The updates allow the radar to follow moving targets, predicting their trajectory. The missile's onboard radar continues to emit radio waves and monitor their reflections, updating the target's real-time location. The data obtained through the system is then processed by the missile's computer, which calculates a trajectory to intercept the target. The missile can adjust its path dynamically based on the continuous feedback from the radar system.
Homing: In the homing phase, missiles zero in on the targets. As it comes close to the target, it switches to a different type of radar known as 'terminal guidance". This radar gives more precise information about the target's location, enabling the missile to make exact adjustments. Once the missile reaches its target, the warhead is detonated, resulting in the destruction of the target.
What Is Pakistan's Key Missile Detection Network?
Pakistan's radar system includes US-made TPS-77 Multi-Role Radar, China's YLC-18A, LY-80 LOMADS and HQ-9P long-range air defence system. Let us understand them in detail.
HQ-9/P Air Defence System: The long-range Surface-to-Air missile system has a range of about 125 km. The HT-233 phased-array fire control radar, which works with active radar homing (ARH) and inertial navigation system (INS). This radar can detect targets at a distance of up to 150 km. The HQ-9/P is considered an advanced version of the Chinese S-300 PMU, capable of destroying complex aerial threats such as fighter jets, cruise missiles.
LY-80 and LY-80EV: The medium-range air defence system has a range of 40-70 km. It was formally inducted into Pakistan's military in 2017. The semi-active radar homing (SARH) and INS usage are capable of targeting low-altitude flying objects. They are primarily deployed to protect military bases and infrastructure near the border.
FM-90: It is a short-range air defence system. It can target drones, helicopters, and low-lying aircraft. These systems are used for the protection of military bases and airports near the border. These are deployed to increase the threat posed to the Indian Air Force and strengthen its defence system. However, the effectiveness of these radars may be limited to India's SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defense) strategies.
TPS-77 Multi-Role Radar: The US-made Multi-Role Radar is a highly advanced system manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It is designed for long-range air surveillance and situational awareness. It has a detection range of up to 463 km and has the ability to track target at altitudes from ground level to 30.5 km. It can detect high-altitude aircraft and low-level threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and cruise missiles.
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
May 07, 2025, 16:43 IST
News explainers Did Pakistan Detect Indian Missiles? How Does A Radar System Work? Explained