India’s Anti-Stealth Radar Grid: How New Delhi Can Detect F-35, Su-57 and China’s J-35 Fighters
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| An illustrative representation of India’s layered anti-stealth air defence system, combining ground-based radars, airborne early warning platforms, and networked command-and-control to monitor advanced fighter aircraft. |
Introduction
As fifth-generation stealth fighter jets become central to modern air warfare, the focus of air defence has shifted from traditional radar coverage to network-centric, multi-sensor detection systems. Stealth aircraft such as the US-made F-35 Lightning II, Russia’s Su-57 Felon, and China’s emerging J-35 are designed to delay or complicate detection — not to become completely invisible.
India, facing simultaneous air threats from both China and Pakistan, has quietly invested in a layered anti-stealth radar grid that combines low-frequency radars, airborne early warning aircraft, passive electronic intelligence, space-based sensors, and real-time command-and-control networks.
Rather than relying on a single “stealth-killer” radar, India’s approach is based on sensor fusion, redundancy, and early cueing — a doctrine aligned with modern integrated air defence systems (IADS).
Understanding Stealth and Its Limitations
Stealth technology primarily focuses on:
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Reducing radar cross section (RCS) through shaping and materials
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Optimizing survivability against X-band fire-control radars
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Frontal-aspect invisibility, especially during penetration missions
However, stealth aircraft still:
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Reflect radar energy at longer wavelengths
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Emit infrared heat
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Generate electronic emissions through sensors, data links, and navigation systems
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Move in predictable air corridors during operational missions
This reality is where India’s anti-stealth radar grid becomes relevant.
India’s Anti-Stealth Radar Grid: A Layered Architecture
India’s air defence strategy relies on five mutually supporting layers:
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Low-frequency ground-based radars (VHF/UHF/L-band)
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Medium- and high-frequency tracking radars
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Passive detection and electronic intelligence systems
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Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS)
Each layer compensates for the limitations of the others, ensuring no single point of failure.
Low-Frequency Radars: The First Line of Detection
Why Low-Frequency Matters
Stealth shaping is least effective against long-wavelength radars, such as VHF and UHF bands. These wavelengths interact with an aircraft’s entire structure rather than reflecting away from angled surfaces.
Indian Low-Frequency Radar Systems
India operates and deploys several indigenous and imported systems, including:
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Indra-II VHF radar
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Rohini radar variants
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Revathi radar
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Arudhra Medium Power Radar (L-band AESA)
These radars provide:
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Early warning at ranges exceeding 400 km
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Detection of low-RCS and high-altitude targets
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Resilience against jamming and electronic countermeasures
While low-frequency radars may not provide precise targeting data, they play a crucial role in initial detection and cueing.
Arudhra AESA Radar: Bridging Detection and Tracking
The Arudhra radar, developed by DRDO, represents a significant step in India’s indigenous radar capability.
Key Features:
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L-band Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)
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3D target tracking
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Improved detection of stealth and low-observable aircraft
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High resistance to electronic warfare
Arudhra acts as a bridge between early detection and fire-control systems, enabling smoother target handover to surface-to-air missiles or interceptor aircraft.
Airborne Early Warning Systems: Looking Down on Stealth
India’s AEW&C Fleet
India operates:
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PHALCON AWACS mounted on IL-76 aircraft
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Netra AEW&C systems on Embraer platforms
Why AWACS Are Critical Against Stealth
Stealth aircraft are optimized against ground-based frontal radar illumination. Airborne radars, however:
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Detect targets from above and side aspects
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Exploit weaknesses in stealth shaping
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Track aircraft flying low altitude or terrain-hugging profiles
AWACS platforms also:
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Extend radar horizon
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Coordinate fighter intercepts
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Act as command hubs in contested airspace
Against aircraft like the F-35 and J-35, airborne sensors significantly reduce stealth effectiveness.
Passive Detection and Electronic Intelligence
The Advantage of Passive Systems
Passive detection systems do not emit radar energy, making them:
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Invisible to enemy radar warning receivers
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Resistant to anti-radiation missiles
These systems detect:
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Radar emissions
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Data-link communications
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Electronic warfare activity
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Navigation and sensor signals
Stealth aircraft, despite low observability, must still communicate and sense their environment, leaving electronic footprints that can be triangulated.
Space-Based Surveillance and Early Cueing
India’s growing military satellite network contributes to:
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Electronic intelligence (ELINT)
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Infrared detection
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Wide-area situational awareness
Although satellites alone cannot provide continuous tracking of fast-moving fighters, they play a vital role in early warning and cueing, especially during large-scale deployments or exercises.
IACCS: The Brain of India’s Air Defence
At the center of India’s anti-stealth capability lies the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
What IACCS Does:
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Integrates data from all sensors
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Fuses radar, airborne, passive, and satellite inputs
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Eliminates duplication and false tracks
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Assigns targets to appropriate response units
Through IACCS, even fragmented or low-confidence detections can be transformed into actionable firing solutions.
Detecting Specific Stealth Fighters
F-35 Lightning II
Strengths:
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Advanced sensor fusion
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Extremely low frontal RCS
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Strong network-centric warfare capability
Detection Path:
Low-frequency radar detection → AWACS confirmation → L-band tracking → IACCS fusion → SAM or fighter engagement
While the F-35 remains one of the stealthiest aircraft in service, it is not immune to multi-band, networked detection.
Su-57 Felon
Strengths:
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High speed and maneuverability
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Advanced weapons load
Limitations:
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Higher radar and infrared signature than Western stealth aircraft
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Exposed engine nozzles
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Less refined stealth shaping
The Su-57 is generally assessed to be easier to detect than the F-35 under comparable conditions.
J-35 (China)
Strengths:
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Designed for carrier and land-based operations
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Intended to complement J-20 fleet
Challenges:
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Naval design compromises stealth
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Engine and sensor maturity questions
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Heavy reliance on networked operations
India’s passive detection and AWACS systems are particularly effective against network-dependent platforms like the J-35.
Stealth vs Reality: A Balanced Assessment
It is important to note:
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Stealth aircraft are not invisible
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Detection does not automatically mean engagement
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Stealth still provides first-look and first-shot advantages
However, in heavily defended airspace, stealth aircraft must operate with caution, careful mission planning, and support assets.
Conclusion
India’s anti-stealth radar grid reflects a modern, realistic understanding of air warfare. By combining low-frequency radars, airborne sensors, passive intelligence, satellites, and centralized command systems, New Delhi has created an air defence network capable of detecting, tracking, and countering fifth-generation fighters.
Rather than chasing a single technological breakthrough, India has focused on integration, redundancy, and adaptability — a strategy increasingly favored by major military powers worldwide.
In an era where stealth no longer guarantees immunity, networked air defence systems like India’s are redefining the balance between offence and defence.
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