Virupaksha Unveiled: India’s Bold Leap in Fighter Jet Technology

In a landmark move to upgrade the combat readiness of its air force, India has unveiled Project Virupaksha - a next-generation AESA radar system designed to modernize its Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet. Spearheaded by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) under DRDO, the project signals a new era of indigenous aerospace technology and strategic self-reliance.

With the recent release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) to onboard an Indian industry partner for co-development and production, India is taking firm strides toward defense sovereignty.

Virupaksha AESA Radar: A Technological Milestone

Powered by Gallium Nitride (GaN)

The Virupaksha radar is equipped with 2,400-2,600 GaN-based Transmit/Receive Modules (TRMs), delivering:

1. Extended detection range of 300-400 km for fighter-sized targets
2. Simultaneous tracking of up to 100 targets
3. Lighter build with 30-40% reduced weight compared to legacy systems
4. Superior resistance to electronic warfare and jamming

This makes the upgraded Su-30MKI a formidable “mini-AWACS,” revolutionizing its role in air dominance.

Dual Steering for Wider Coverage

With a built-in mechanical repositioner, the radar allows: ±20° elevation and ±90° azimuth.

This ensures a significantly broader field of view, giving pilots enhanced detection and engagement capabilities.

Multi-Mode Mastery

Virupaksha supports all major combat modes:

1. Air-to-air, air-to-ground, air-to-sea
2. Close-combat support
3. Navigation
4. Electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) for resilience in electronic warfare

Super-30 Program: The Bigger Picture

Project Virupaksha is at the heart of the Indian Air Force’s Super-30 upgrade program, which aims to turn Su-30MKIs into 4.5+ generation fighters. Along with the radar, upgrades include:

1. Digitized cockpits
2. Wide HUDs
3. Voice control systems
4. High-resolution multifunction displays (MFDs)

These cockpit enhancements will improve situational awareness and reduce pilot workload dramatically.

Strengthening the Make-in-India Vision

The RFP issued by LRDE in July 2025 seeks an Indian partner for development, integration, and mass production. Key contenders include:

1. HAL
2. Alpha Design Technologies
3. Data Patterns
4. L&T
5. Astra Microwave
6. Rangsons Aerospace
7. ICOMM Tele
8. Jeanuvs Aerospace

The selected partner will work alongside BEL, HAL, and LRDE to validate the radar through flight testing before scaling production.

Strategic Impact

Self-Reliance Achieved

Virupaksha replaces the older Russian-origin PESA radar with a 100% indigenous solution, a huge step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat in high-tech defense manufacturing.

Combat Superiority

Equipping the Su-30MKI with this radar provides a crucial edge over stealth-enabled adversaries, such as China’s J-20 fighters, ensuring India’s air superiority in contested skies.

Future-Proof Architecture

The scalable nature of Virupaksha makes it suitable not just for fighters, but also UAVs, helicopters, and potentially next-gen aircraft paving the way for broader deployment across Indian defense platforms.

What Lies Ahead?

Following successful prototype and flight tests, 84 Su-30MKI aircraft are scheduled for upgrades starting post-2025. The Virupaksha radar will anchor this transformation, turning India's aerial fleet into one of the most technologically advanced in the region.

Virupaksha Unveiled" isn’t just a technological upgrade, it’s a bold declaration of India’s growing power to innovate, build, and lead in the skies.