Alpha Design Technologies Limited, a Bengaluru-based company, has developed and delivered first of six Surya Very High Frequency (VHF) radar systems to Indian Air Force under a ₹200 crore contract. The radar is capable of detecting stealth aircraft and drones, significantly enhancing India’s air defence capabilities.
About Surya VHF Radar
- Type: Mobile, solid-state 3D radar system
- Frequency Band: Very High Frequency (VHF)
- Purpose: Detect and track stealth aircraft and low-observable aerial targets
- Indigenous: Designed and developed entirely in India by a Bengaluru-based firm
- Mounted on: Two 6×6 vehicles
- Rotation speed: 10 rotations per minute
- Detection range: Up to 360 km for objects with 2 m² radar cross-section
Why VHF for Anti-Stealth?
- VHF radars use longer wavelengths, making them:
- Less affected by radar-absorbing materials
- Capable of detecting stealth aircraft that evade conventional radars
- Enhanced Tracking: Equipped with staring mode for continuous surveillance
Strategic Significance
Can detect stealth aircraft like:
- Chinese J-20 fighters
- Wing Loong drones
Strengthens India’s multi-layered air defence when integrated with:
- Akash missiles
- QRSAM systems
- Ashwini Low-Level Radar
- S-400 Sudarshan Chakra and Akashteer command systems
Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat
- Reduces dependence on imported radar systems
- Strengthens India’s position in the global C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) domain
- Remaining five radars will be delivered in the coming months
Operational Context: Operation Sindoor
The radar’s deployment follows Operation Sindoor:
- Launched after a terror attack in Pahalgam (J&K) on 22 April 2025
- India’s air defense repelled a large-scale drone and missile attack from Pakistan
- The Surya radar would enhance early warning capability in such high-risk situations
Exhibited at Aero India 2025
- The radar was showcased at Aero India 2025
- Attracted global interest and has potential for export
- Described as a “Made in Bharat” system by Vishal Anand, AVP (Projects), Alpha Design