DRDO testing indigenous aerostat radar system

New Delhi: In yet another attempt at import substitution in the critical defence sector, India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an aerostat radar that very soon may become part of the air defence and surveillance network of the country's armed forces.

The indigenously-developed aerostat is currently undergoing final trials with full payload and delivery of the system to the armed forces is likely in the near future, according to DRDO officials.

Aerostat radars, which basically are a range of sensors (principally radars) mounted on blimp-like large balloons tethered to the ground with long cables, have been a long-standing requirement of the air force and perform a crucial role in plugging gaps in the air defence network of the country.

The DRDO-designed aerostat will rise one km above the ground and carry a payload that will also include electro-optical sensors and equipment for communication intelligence, DRDO officials said.

The armed forces have imported Israeli aerostat radar systems, which have been deployed along the sensitive western borders abutting Pakistan.

The aerostats are a cost-effective option to AWACS, as they operate in a 360-degree search mode and can stay afloat round-the-clock for four to five weeks at a go. Where they lose out against an AWACWS system is in the area of mobility.

However, the Israeli systems are extremely agile in that they can be folded up and moved to another location in quick time.

India has already acquired three Phalcon AWACS systems from Israel and retains the option for atleast three more.