Chennai-based defence electronics company Data Patterns has showcased its Hawk-1900 GaN-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, marking a significant development in India’s indigenous airborne sensor capabilities. Designed with approximately 876 Transmit/Receive Modules (TRMs), the compact radar is intended for lightweight and medium fighter platforms, including MiG-29 variants and the LCA Tejas Mk1/Mk1A. The system has emerged as a potential indigenous upgrade option for the Indian Air Force’s MiG-29UPG fleet, which currently operates with ageing Russian-origin Zhuk-ME radar systems. The Hawk-1900 is expected to deliver improved multi-target engagement, enhanced battlefield awareness, and stronger resistance against electronic warfare threats. The radar incorporates Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based technology, offering better power efficiency, thermal management, and performance compared with traditional GaAs-based systems. Featuring a swashplate-based repositioning mechanism, the radar provides expanded scanning coverage through combined mechanical and electronic steering. Capable of supporting air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, the multi-function fire control radar is designed for advanced tracking, low-probability-of-intercept operations, and electronic countermeasure environments. With an estimated detection capability exceeding 150 km against fighter-sized targets, the Hawk-1900 represents a major step toward modernising India’s fourth-generation combat aircraft. The system complements Data Patterns’ larger Hawk-12700 AESA radar concept aimed at heavier platforms such as the Su-30MKI upgrade programme. Together, these developments demonstrate India’s growing ability to design scalable indigenous radar solutions across multiple aircraft categories while reducing dependence on foreign defence electronics.
