Vajra — Detect and Pursue
Detect and Pursue
Multi-spectral sensing, advanced AESA radar and networked situational awareness give the Vajra unrivalled detection capability.
Vajra — Detect and Pursue
Multi-spectral sensing, advanced AESA radar and networked situational awareness give the Vajra unrivalled detection capability.
The Vajra's sensor suite is designed to detect, track and engage airborne and surface targets at extended ranges across all weather and electronic warfare environments.
The Uttam (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, developed by DRDO's Electronics & Radar Development Establishment, features 1,024 gallium-nitride transmit-receive modules, providing a peak power of 10 kW. The radar can simultaneously track 40 air targets and engage 6, while concurrently conducting ground mapping and maritime search. In its latest Mk2 form it incorporates an inverse synthetic aperture radar mode for ship identification and change detection for intelligence-gathering missions.
The Surya infra-red search-and-track system, mounted in a low-drag dorsal fairing, provides passive detection of airborne targets without electromagnetic emissions. Against afterburning targets, detection range exceeds 90 km. It is fully integrated with the radar and datalink to cue weapons autonomously.
The Kavach self-protection suite encompasses a radar warning receiver with 360° coverage, a missile approach warning system, a laser warning receiver, a towed decoy dispenser, and an active jammer. The entire suite is managed by a dedicated mission processor that autonomously selects countermeasures based on threat library data.
The Vajra can exchange tactical data with other Vajras, AWACS aircraft, ground radar stations, naval vessels and army battlefield management systems via a secure, jam-resistant TDMA datalink operating in multiple frequency bands. Formation members share a common air picture without radio voice communication, reducing cognitive load on crews.