India's BEL Unveils Advanced VHF Radar Capable of Detecting Stealth Aircraft

Ghaziabad, India – Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading defense electronics company in India, has officially launched its first advanced Very High Frequency (VHF) radar at its facility in Ghaziabad. This state-of-the-art radar system is designed to detect stealth aircraft, such as China's J-20 fighter jet, from distances exceeding 100 nautical miles.

Technical Capabilities

The newly developed VHF radar boasts several advanced features:

• Staring Capability: This allows the radar to continuously monitor a specific area, enhancing its ability to detect and track stealth targets at long ranges.
• Advanced Surveillance: The radar is equipped with sophisticated surveillance technologies that improve its detection accuracy and reliability.

Detecting Stealth Aircraft with VHF Radar

Stealth aircraft are engineered to evade detection by conventional radar systems, primarily those operating in higher frequency bands like X-band. They achieve this through design features that minimize their radar cross-section (RCS), effectively scattering or absorbing radar waves.

However, VHF radars operate at longer wavelengths, which interact differently with stealth aircraft surfaces. Here's how VHF radars can detect stealth targets:

• Resonance Effect: The longer wavelengths of VHF radar are comparable to the size of aircraft features, such as tail fins and wings. This causes a resonance effect, making the aircraft more detectable.
• Reduced Stealth Efficiency: Stealth designs are optimized for higher frequency radars. At VHF frequencies, the stealth features are less effective, resulting in a higher RCS and making the aircraft more visible to VHF radar systems.
• Historical Precedent: Even during World War II, long-wavelength radars were capable of detecting aircraft that would be considered stealthy by today's standards. This underscores the inherent advantage of lower frequency radars in countering stealth technology.

Strategic Implications

The introduction of this advanced VHF radar by BEL signifies a significant enhancement in India's air defense capabilities. With the ability to detect modern stealth aircraft like the J-20 at considerable distances, India can better monitor and respond to potential aerial threats, thereby strengthening its national security framework.

Conclusion

BEL's successful rollout of the advanced VHF radar marks a pivotal development in radar technology, addressing the challenges posed by stealth aircraft. This achievement not only bolsters India's defense infrastructure but also positions BEL as a key player in the global defense technology arena.