ADE Progresses on Integrating MPAR and SAR Radars with TAPAS UAV for Naval Surveillance

Source : IgMp Bulletin

BH-201 TAPAS UAV designed by ADE

                                                            

The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), part of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is making strides in incorporating advanced radar systems into the TAPAS (Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The integration includes two key radar technologies: the Multi-Parameter Phased Array Radar (MPAR) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). These are designed to meet the Indian Navy’s rigorous surveillance requirements, particularly for maritime operations. This development follows the Navy's interest in acquiring 10 TAPAS UAVs to enhance surveillance in the crucial Andaman and Nicobar Islands region.

The Indian Navy's focus on TAPAS is driven by its need for continuous, high-resolution intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), an area of strategic importance where Chinese submarines and warships are often sighted. With its extended endurance and the integration of MPAR and SAR systems, the TAPAS UAV will play a key role in safeguarding India’s maritime borders.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold strategic importance due to their proximity to some of the world's busiest shipping lanes. They serve as a natural lookout point over the eastern Indian Ocean. Given the increasing presence of Chinese forces in the region, the islands have become vital for India’s maritime defense. The Navy plans to deploy TAPAS UAVs in this area to provide real-time surveillance and monitor any incursion of Chinese vessels in the IOR.

1. Multi-Parameter Phased Array Radar (MPAR)

MPAR is an advanced radar system capable of performing multiple surveillance tasks simultaneously. Unlike traditional radar systems that use a fixed beam, MPAR features electronically steered phased array technology, which allows it to switch between different scanning modes without physically moving the antenna. This technology is particularly useful for naval missions.

• Simultaneous Tracking: MPAR can monitor multiple targets simultaneously, including ships and airborne threats, making it ideal for busy maritime environments.
• Fast Scanning: Its phased array technology enables faster scanning over large ocean areas, offering early detection of threats such as Chinese warships or submarines.
• All-Weather Performance: MPAR can operate effectively in various weather conditions, ensuring reliable surveillance even during challenging monsoon seasons or rough sea conditions in the IOR.

2. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

SAR is another key radar system that uses the UAV's movement to simulate a larger antenna, producing high-resolution images of the earth's surface, including maritime targets.

• Long-Range Detection: With SAR, TAPAS can cover vast ocean areas, detecting threats over wide distances. This long-range detection is critical for early warnings, giving the Navy time to react to potential threats.
• High-Resolution Imaging: SAR can produce detailed imagery even in poor visibility conditions such as through clouds, in darkness, or during rain. This is especially useful for detecting stealthy platforms like submarines or small vessels attempting to avoid detection.
• Surface and Subsurface Detection: SAR can also penetrate surface layers to detect submarines operating near the water's surface. Given China's use of submarines in the IOR, SAR’s ability to detect subtle disturbances on the ocean surface offers a significant advantage.

The combination of MPAR and SAR on the TAPAS UAV will significantly boost India's Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). Deploying these UAVs from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will provide crucial intelligence on Chinese vessels and submarines, strengthening India’s ability to secure its maritime borders.

Additionally, the enhanced surveillance capabilities will support India’s broader anti-submarine warfare (ASW) efforts. The real-time radar feeds from TAPAS UAVs, combined with their long endurance, will be coordinated with Indian Navy ships and aircraft, creating a comprehensive detection and tracking network to counter any potential Chinese activities in the region.

The advanced radar systems will help the Indian Navy maintain continuous surveillance over vast areas, ensuring the country’s strategic maritime interests are well-protected in the face of growing regional challenges.

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