DRDO formalises Consortium of top Defence Manufacturers under DcPP model for VIRUPAKSHA AESA Radar integration
By R Anil Kumar
The “Virupaksha” AESA radar is being integrated into the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Su-30MKI fleet as part of the “Super-30” upgrade program to enhance its combat capabilities. Developed by DRDO’s LRDE, this advanced radar will replace the current Bars PESA radar with a Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based system, providing significantly improved performance, including a longer detection range, higher target tracking capacity, and better electronic warfare capabilities. This integration is aimed at increasing the Su-30MKI’s situational awareness and targeting precision, ensuring the aircraft remains a potent forcefor years to come
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has formalized a consortium of Indian manufacturers under its Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) model for the integration of the indigenously developed VIRUPAKSHA AESA radar. The radar will be integrated into the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter fleet as part of the“Super Sukhoi” upgrade program
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has formalised a consortium of top Indian defence manufacturers under the Development-Cum-Production Partner (DcPP) model for the integration of the indigenously developed Virupaksha AESA radar onto the Su-30MKI fighter fleet.
These partners—Hindustan Aeronautics Limited,Larsen & Toubro, ICOMM Tele, Astra Microwave and Alpha Design—form the industrial backbone of a transformative Indian Air Force modernisation drive under the “Super Sukhoi” program.
The Virupaksha AESA Radar
Technology: Designed by the DRDO’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar uses advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, which provides superior thermal efficiency, power density, and reliability over older radar types.
Performance: During developmental trials, the radar successfully tracked 64 to 100 aerial targets simultaneously. It boasts a head-on detection range of over 400 kilometers and features advanced electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) for effective performance in jammed environments.
Integration: The Virupaksha radar will replace the Russian-made N011M Bars passive array radar currently on the Su-30MKI fleet. It will enable the Su-30MKIs to fire advanced indigenous long-range air-to-air missiles, such as the Astra Mk-III.
The Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) model
The DcPP model is an initiative by DRDO to involve the Indian industry, including private firms and startups, in the development, production, and lifecycle support of advanced defense systems.
This approach aims to reduce development-to-induction timeframes, promote self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, and build a robust indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The model ensures technology transfer from DRDO to the industry partners at no cost, which helps to build industrial capability and competitiveness.
Consortium members and their roles
DRDO has selected the following top defence manufacturers for the Virupaksha AESA radar project:
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL): As the platform integrator at its facility in Nashik, HAL will handle the installation, flight integration, and validation of the radar onto the Su-30MKI fleet.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T): The conglomerate will contribute its expertise in precision engineering to produce high-reliability components and subassemblies for the radar.
ICOMM Tele: The company will be responsible for manufacturing and integrating the radar’s electronic components and support equipment.
Astra Microwave: This defence electronics company will focus on producing the radar’s high-frequency electronics and active array modules.
Alpha Design Technologies: The firm will oversee the systems assembly and validation process.
Significance of the project
Upgraded fighter capability: Integrating the Virupaksha radar is a key part of the larger Super Sukhoi upgrade program, which will modernize the Su-30MKI fleet with advanced avionics, AI-enabled mission computers, and new weapon systems.
Boost to self-reliance: The project is a major step toward achieving India’s goal of self-reliance in defence. By leveraging Indian private and public sector companies, the program aims to create a resilient domestic industrial base.
Enhanced air superiority: The upgrade will provide the IAF’s largest fighter fleet with next-generation situational awareness and combat capability, strengthening India’s aerial dominance for decades.
The Virupaksha AESA radar is designed by DRDO’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) and employs cutting-edge Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology. GaN modules provide higher thermal efficiency, greater power density, and improved reliability compared to older GaAs-based arrays. The radar features a high-density array with over 2,400 transmit/receive (TR) modules, delivering extended operational range and agile electronic beam steering.
Performance and Detection Excellence
During developmental trials, the radar successfully tracked between 64 and 100 aerial targets simultaneously, confirming its multi-target engagement capability. Its head-on detection range exceeds 400 kilometres, providing improved situational dominance, while supporting integration with long-range air-to-air missiles such as the Astra Mk-III.
Capability Enhancements for Air Superiority
The Virupaksha radar endows the Su-30MKI with next-generation situational awareness and air combat capability. It allows simultaneous search, tracking, and engagement of multiple targets, including low-RCS stealth platforms.
Its wide field-of-regard and adaptive scanning enable coordinated mission execution, long-range interception, and precision strike roles, strengthening India’s aerial dominance in both strategic and tactical dimensions.
Industrial Roles and Collaboration Framework
Under the DcPP framework, each selected partner plays a defined industrial role. Larsen & Toubro will focus on precision-engineered subassemblies and high-reliability components. ICOMM Tele will support electronic integration and radar support equipment manufacturing. Astra Microwave’s contribution centres on high-frequency electronics and active array modules. Alpha Design will lead systems assembly and validation, while HAL, as the platform integrator at its Nasik facility, will handle installation, flight integration, and validation on the Su-30MKI fleet.
Central Pillar of The Super Sukhoi Upgrade
The radar’s inclusion marks the technological core of the Super Sukhoi upgrade programme. Alongside the Virupaksha, the upgrade includes digital glass cockpits, advanced AI-enabled mission computers, indigenous electronic warfare suites, and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capability. Integration of advanced weaponry such as BrahMos-A and BrahMos-ER further fortifies the platform’s multirole combat capability.
Role of The DcPP consortium
The selected DcPPs will work closely with DRDO and the Indian Air Force to create an indigenous ecosystem for the project.
Significance for the Super Sukhoi Upgrade
The integration of the Virupaksha AESA radar is a cornerstone of the larger Super Sukhoi upgrade program, which aims to transform the Su-30MKI into a “4-plus” generation fighter.
These upgrades will extend the operational service life of India’s largest fighter fleet, keeping it technologically relevant for decades to come. The program also serves as a major push toward India’s goal of self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in the defence sector.
The Virupaksha AESA radar program exemplifies India’s steadfast progress toward defence self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. By enabling indigenous radar production, system integration, and technology transfer, the project builds a resilient industrial base for future airborne sensor ecosystems. The enhanced Su-30MKI fleet, with its extended service life and modernised avionics, will remain the backbone of India’s air dominance capability well into the 2040s.
