The Hindu : National : DLRL to develop next-generation equipment for espionage satellites

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DLRL to develop next-generation equipment for espionage satellites

Y. Mallikarjun

HYDERABAD: After delivering a wide range of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems to all the three services, the Defence Electronics and Research Laboratory (DLRL) has embarked upon a project to develop the next generation intelligence-gathering equipment for deploying on board a satellite, aerostats and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

Describing it as a “comprehensive technology development project,” DLRL Director R. Sreehari Rao told The Hindu here that the infrastructure required for developing advanced versions of EW systems was in place. The new project, covering both communication and radar bands, would be “realised” in three years.

Pointing out that military warfare had entered a new era involving use of UAVs, he said the UAV-based EW system offered several advantages such as increased range and flexible eavesdropping on strategic locations for intelligence-gathering.

It would act as a “force multiplier” in both strategic and tactical battlefield operations. The platform for mounting the equipment on UAVs would be developed by the Banglaore-based Aeronautical Development Establishment.

He said aerostat as a platform has the capability of carrying multiple surveillance payloads and could operate over all terrain in all weather conditions.

The key DRDO laboratory also recently developed a prototype of a unique Radar Fingerprinting System with the capability to distinguish two radars operating in the same frequency.

Dr. Rao said the users were pleased with the performance of the prototype and described it as superior to the Israeli system. The contraption helps in distinguishing the radar based on its signature and each unit would cost Rs. 3 crore. Basically an add-on to the overall EW system, it would enable better electronic planning in a warfare scenario.

Dr. Rao said the DLRL had designed and developed EW systems of various complexities for the ground-based, sea and airborne platforms. While two communication and one non-communication blocks were already delivered to the Army under Samyukta, an integrated EW programme, two more are to be delivered.

It had also delivered five types of EW systems under Sangraha for the Navy for use by airborne platforms, submarine and large ships. Following the success, the Navy had sought an advanced version of SANGRAHA.

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