Uttam AESA

Strategic Priority Program

DRDO › R&D

Uttam — Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar

ACTIVE

Indigenous AESA fire-control radar for Tejas Mk-2 and Su-30 upgrade

Budget

₹1,200 Cr

Timeline

N/A

Sector

DRDO

Indigenisation

90%

R&D READINESS

TRL 8/9

DRDO / LRDE Bangalore · Radar / Avionics

● ACTIVE

INTEL SIGNALS

Strategic priority designation

Uttam AESA has completed substantial airborne testing on Tejas/testbed aircraft and is the baseline indigenous radar family for Tejas Mk-1A follow-on batches, Tejas Mk-2, AMCA and larger Su-30MKI/Virupaksha-class derivatives. Keep as production-integration phase rather than early prototype, while noting platform-specific certification timelines remain the gating issue.

RECENT INTELLIGENCE

DRDO’s Uttam AESA Radar Performs 25% Better than Proven Israeli EL/M-2052 for India's Tejas Mk1A Fighter Jet - Defence.in

news.google.com · 21 Sept 2025

New Order of 97 Tejas Mk1A to Feature DRDO's Uttam AESA Radar, Solidifying Confidence in Indigenous Tech - Defence.in

news.google.com · 25 Aug 2025

Uttam Radar not so Uttam for Tejas? HAL picks imported Israeli radar over DRDO's desi AESA radar - The Economic Times

news.google.com · 30 Jun 2025

Indian Navy Upgrading MiG-29K Fighters With DRDO’s Powerful Indigenous Uttam AESA Radar Amid TEDBF Delays - Indian Masterminds

news.google.com · 08 May 2026

HAL selects Israeli radar over DRDO's 'Uttam' AESA for Tejas Mk1A - Mathrubhumi English

news.google.com · 30 Jun 2025

PROGRAM BRIEF & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Essential facts about Uttam AESA

Pipeline Status

TRL-8/9

Production Integration

Estimated Budget

₹1,200 Cr

Financial Outlay

Target Timeline

2026–2028

Operational Target

Armed Service

DRDO

90% Indigenous

What is the current status and stage of Uttam AESA?▾

Uttam — Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar is currently at Technology Readiness Level TRL-8/9 (Production Integration). Indigenous AESA fire-control radar for Tejas Mk-2 and Su-30 upgrade

What is the estimated budget or outlay for Uttam AESA?▾

The allocated budget outlay for Uttam AESA is estimated at ₹1,200 Cr.

When is Uttam AESA expected to be inducted or deployed?▾

The program schedule indicates ongoing execution with an operational milestone/induction targeted for 2026–2028.

Which agencies and companies are building Uttam AESA?▾

Uttam AESA is developed in coordination with lead agency: DRDO / LRDE Bangalore; development partner: HAL / BEL; vendors: DRDO LRDE, HAL, BEL, Astra Microwave Products.

What is the indigenisation level of Uttam AESA?▾

Uttam AESA targets an indigenous content of 90%, advancing domestic defence manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

CONTENDERS / VENDORS

DRDO LRDE · HAL · BEL · Astra Microwave Products

LATEST UPDATES

No updates published yet.