India develops anti-stealth Surya VHF radar as China plans to give stealth 5th genereation fighter jets to Pakistan: Report
Anti stealth Surya VHF radar
Radar deployment comes amid reports of China giving stealth jets to Pak
Role in Operation Sindoor
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Surya VHF radar: A showcase of indigenous defense tech
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In a major step toward strengthening India's air defense capabilities, a Bengaluru-based company has reportedly delivered first of six stealth-detecting radars to Indian Air Force under Rs 200 crore contract. The indigenous Surya Very High Frequency (VHF) radar systems, developed entirely in India, was reportedly handed over in mid-March 2025.The Surya radar is a mobile, solid-state 3D radar system developed to track stealth aircraft and low-observable aerial targets. It operates in the VHF band, which allows it to detect targets that typically evade conventional high-frequency radar systems. Using longer wavelengths, the radar can identify stealth objects by minimising the effect of radar-absorbing materials. It offers a detection range of 360 kilometers for a target with a radar cross-section of 2 square meters and features a staring mode for enhanced tracking.Mounted on two 6×6 vehicles, the radar performs 10 rotations per minute to ensure full coverage. It is designed to support rapid deployment and operations in diverse terrains.The radar's deployment has attracted attention from global defense analysts. Its capacity to detect stealth aircraft, including Chinese J-20 fighters and Wing Loong drones, may influence regional security dynamics. When integrated with other indigenous systems such as Akash and QRSAM missiles, the Surya radar strengthens India's multi-layered defense approach.The delivery follows Operation Sindoor , launched after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. During the operation, India's air defense network—including S-400 Sudarshan Chakra, Akash, and Akashteer systems—repelled a large-scale aerial attack involving drones and missiles from Pakistan.The Surya radar's ability to detect stealth threats could have provided critical early warning in such scenarios. It is expected to complement other Indian-made systems like the Ashwini Low-Level Transportable Radar developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).The radar was presented at Aero India 2025, where it drew interest from international delegations. Its potential for export and cooperation with friendly nations positions India as a growing player in defense technology. Vishal Anand, Assistant Vice-President of Projects at Alpha Design had said the radar is designed & developed in BHARAT itself, during the Aero India 2025 show.The Surya VHF radar is seen as a significant addition to India's Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) framework. Integrated with systems like Akashteer, the radar helps enable real-time response to aerial threats.The radar's introduction is aimed at reducing dependence on imported defense technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The remaining five radars are expected to be delivered over the next few months.
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