Russia to Offer ‘Stealth Killer’ Radar to India for S-400 Air Defense System, Enhancing Ability to Track Chinese J-20 Fighters

Moscow: Russia is set to offer India its advanced 98L6E ‘Yenisei’ AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar system, which could be integrated with India’s existing S-400 air defense system. According to defense sources, the radar is capable of tracking stealth fighter jets, including the American F-35 Lightning II, Chinese J-20, and the J-35A. This integration could significantly enhance the effectiveness of India’s air defense system, enabling it to counter the most advanced stealth fighters in the world.

The Yenisei radar, with a range of up to 400 kilometers and advanced Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) capabilities, promises to exponentially increase the capabilities of India’s current S-400 systems. The S-400’s ability was demonstrated during Operation Sindhur when the Indian Air Force shot down a Pakistani AWACS aircraft from 314 kilometers away.

Tracking Stealth Fighters with Multi-Spectrum Technology

The 98L6E Yenisei radar utilizes AESA technology with multi-band and multi-frequency operation capabilities. While stealth fighters are typically designed to evade X-band radars, the Yenisei’s multi-spectrum capabilities allow it to track targets with a reduced radar cross-section (RCS). When integrated with the S-400’s existing sensor network, this radar would extend its range and increase its capacity to detect aerial threats earlier and with greater accuracy, facilitating quicker missile launches to neutralize them.

Benefits of the Yenisei Radar for India

• Early and long-range detection of stealth fighters like the F-35, J-20, and J-35A
• Significant enhancement in the strike capacity of the S-400 air defense system
• Uninterrupted effectiveness during electronic warfare and jamming
• Easier tracking of low-RCS targets using multi-band AESA technology
• Improved sensor cueing and networking capabilities for a layered air defense
• Strengthened defense against Chinese and Pakistani stealth threats

This proposal from Russia holds significant strategic value for India, especially given China’s plan to deploy J-20 stealth fighters near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Additionally, Pakistan may purchase Chinese stealth fighters in the future. According to defense experts, integrating the Yenisei radar with the S-400 will transform India’s layered air defense into an impregnable fortress, capable of operating under heavy electronic warfare and jamming conditions.