F‑35, Su‑57, J‑35 Face a New Challenge: India’s Indigenous Anti‑Stealth Radar Grid

New Delhi:
India is on the verge of a major leap in air defence capability with the development of an indigenous Anti‑Stealth Radar Grid, a system designed to detect even the world’s most advanced fifth‑generation stealth fighter jets. Defence experts believe this technology could significantly reduce the operational advantage of aircraft such as the US F‑35, Russia’s Su‑57, and China’s J‑35.

The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of Mission Sudarshan Chakra from the Red Fort on August 15 last year, aimed at strengthening India’s air defence architecture in response to evolving threats witnessed during recent military operations. While India’s air defence systems have already demonstrated effectiveness, the new radar grid represents a forward‑looking effort to counter future stealth‑based aerial threats.

A Game‑Changer in Modern Warfare

In modern warfare, stealth fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, and long‑range precision weapons are considered among the most lethal assets. These platforms are engineered to evade conventional radar detection by maintaining a very low radar cross section. However, Indian defence scientists have developed a technological counter to this advantage.

The Anti‑Stealth Radar Grid, also known as a Low Observable Detection Network, is designed to provide early warning and precise tracking of stealth and low‑observable aerial platforms, enabling faster and more effective response by combat forces.

The Role of Passive Coherent Location Radar

At the core of this grid lies the Passive Coherent Location Radar (PCLR) system. Unlike conventional radars, PCLR does not emit any signals of its own. Instead, it relies on existing electromagnetic signals in the environment—such as commercial FM radio and broadcast transmissions. When a stealth aircraft passes through this signal field, it disrupts the ambient waves. By analysing these disturbances, PCLR can detect and track the aircraft’s movement and location.

Because PCLR operates in a completely passive mode, it is extremely difficult for adversaries to detect, jam, or destroy. This allows continuous, silent surveillance, closing gaps traditionally exploited by stealth platforms.

Multi‑Layered Detection Network

The Anti‑Stealth Radar Grid operates in multiple layers and across different frequency bands to overcome detection limitations.

• VHF surveillance radars provide wide‑area monitoring.
• Long‑range low‑level radars enhance depth coverage.
• Systems like Vostok‑D strengthen overall radar coverage.
• PCLR specifically targets vulnerabilities in stealth technology.

Low‑frequency signals used in this network are particularly effective against stealth aircraft, as such platforms are less optimized to evade detection at these wavelengths.

Strengthening India’s Air Defence Shield

India already fields a robust mix of indigenous and imported air defence systems. The Akash missile system offers domestic coverage, the Russian S‑400 provides long‑range defence, Barak‑8 ensures medium‑range protection, and SPYDER systems counter sudden aerial threats. The Anti‑Stealth Radar Grid integrates seamlessly into this architecture, adding a critical new dimension.

Stealth No Longer Invisible

While fifth‑generation fighters were designed to remain hidden from enemy sensors, India’s evolving radar ecosystem challenges this assumption. By combining low‑frequency detection, passive surveillance, and multi‑angle reception, the Anti‑Stealth Radar Grid significantly increases the probability of detecting and tracking stealth aircraft.

Defence analysts view this development as a strategic milestone, reinforcing India’s preparedness against advanced aerial threats and signaling that the era of near‑invisible stealth dominance may be approaching its limits.