Indian Navy induction: First 3D Air Surveillance Radar (3D-ASR) – Lanza-N manufactured and installed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) on an Indian warship.
Key Highlights
- Global first: First time Lanza-N naval radar is operational outside Spain.
- Self-reliance milestone: TASL becomes the first Indian company to integrate advanced naval surveillance radars, marking a step forward in Atmanirbhar Bharat (defence indigenisation).
- Deal value: ~USD 145 million (2020 deal).
- Contract details:
- Indra (Spain): To supply 3 full radars + core elements for 20 more.
- TASL (India): Local assembly, integration & testing over next decade.
- Sea trials: Successfully tested with multiple naval and aerial platforms before induction.
- Local capacity: Radar assembly, integration, and testing facility set up at TASL Karnataka plant.
Features of 3D Air Surveillance Radar (3D-ASR) – Lanza-N
- Role: Long-range air defence & anti-missile radar.
- Range: Detects aircraft 9 km to 474 km, altitude up to 100,000 feet.
- Rotation: 360° scan every 10 seconds → continuous situational awareness.
- Environment readiness: Specially modified for Indian Ocean Region’s humidity & heat.
- Integration: Fully integrated with Indian Navy’s command & control systems.
About Indra (Spain)
- One of world’s top radar manufacturers.
- Headquarters: Madrid, Spain.
- Largest radar manufacturing factory in Europe.
- Specialisation: Defence, mobility, air traffic, space surveillance.
- Developed space surveillance radar (detects >2,000 km in orbit).
- Collaborating with Centum Electronics (India) to jointly propose ISRO radar project for space asset protection.
Significance for India
- Boosts Navy’s operational readiness in Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Supports local defence manufacturing & technology transfer.
- Contributes to India’s self-reliance in critical surveillance systems.
- Enhances air and missile defence across frigates, destroyers, aircraft carriers.
Indian Navy
- Founded: 26 January 1950 (earlier Royal Indian Navy till independence).
- Motto: “Sham No Varunah” (May the Lord of Oceans be auspicious unto us).
- Current Chief of Naval Staff (CNS): Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi (since May 2024).
- Commands: Western Naval Command (Mumbai), Eastern Naval Command (Visakhapatnam), Southern Naval Command (Kochi).
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL):
- Established: 2007 (subsidiary of Tata Sons).
- Focus: Aerospace, defence, homeland security.
- Works with Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Airbus, DRDO.
Indigenous Radars by DRDO
- INDRA (Indian Doppler Radar): First indigenous radar, 1980s.
- Rohini Radar: Medium power radar for IAF.
- Revathi Radar: Naval 3D radar.
- Arudhra Radar: Medium power AESA radar.
- Aslesha Radar: Compact 3D surveillance radar.