Introduction
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is on the brink of completing India’s inaugural full‑spectrum bistatic radar cross‑section (RCS) measurement facility. This state‑of‑the‑art complex will enable scientists to evaluate the scattering characteristics of aircraft, missiles and stealth platforms from multiple angles and frequencies, a capability previously limited to a handful of advanced nations. By providing precise, real‑time data across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, the facility promises to accelerate indigenous radar and stealth technology development, bolster national security, and reduce reliance on foreign testing services. The project, detailed by the Indian Defence Research Wing, marks a pivotal step toward self‑reliant defence engineering.
The strategic need for bistatic RCS testing
Traditional monostatic RCS measurements, where transmitter and receiver share the same location, offer a limited view of how objects reflect radar signals. Bistatic configurations, with spatially separated transmitter and receiver, simulate real‑world combat scenarios where enemy radars illuminate targets from diverse angles. This richer data set is essential for:
- Designing low‑observable (stealth) airframes that evade detection from multiple threat vectors.
- Validating multi‑band radar systems intended for air, sea and land surveillance.
- Developing counter‑stealth algorithms for electronic warfare.
By establishing a domestic bistatic RCS capability, DRDO reduces dependence on overseas facilities, shortens development cycles, and safeguards sensitive design information.
Technical overview of the new facility
Located at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, the centre integrates a high‑power transmitter, a low‑noise receiver array, and a reconfigurable anechoic chamber. Key specifications include:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency coverage | 0.5 GHz – 40 GHz (full spectrum) |
| Maximum transmit power | 5 kW |
| Receiver sensitivity | -140 dBm |
| Angular resolution | 0.1° (azimuth) / 0.2° (elevation) |
| Expected operational date | December 2025 |
The facility’s modular design allows rapid re‑configuration for different test geometries, supporting both static and dynamic target assessments. Advanced data‑fusion software will generate three‑dimensional RCS maps, enabling engineers to pinpoint scattering hotspots and iterate designs in near‑real time.
Implications for indigenous radar and stealth development
With reliable bistatic RCS data, Indian defence firms can fine‑tune stealth shaping, radar‑absorbent materials and active cancellation techniques without exporting prototypes for foreign testing. The ripple effects include:
- Accelerated development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and future unmanned combat aerial vehicles.
- Enhanced performance of indigenous radar families such as the LRDE’s 3D phased‑array systems.
- Strengthened electronic‑warfare suites capable of detecting low‑RCS threats.
Moreover, the facility serves academic and industry partners, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that aligns research with operational requirements.
Timeline, milestones and future prospects
The project, initiated in 2020, has achieved critical milestones: structural completion (2022), subsystem integration (2023), and successful calibration runs (early 2024). The final phase involves comprehensive validation trials scheduled for mid‑2025, after which the centre will be opened for full‑scale testing. Looking ahead, DRDO envisions expanding the complex to include multi‑static arrays and hyperspectral measurement capabilities, positioning India among the elite few nations with comprehensive RCS testing infrastructure.
Conclusion
The near‑completion of India’s first full‑spectrum bistatic RCS measurement facility represents a watershed moment for the nation’s defence research ecosystem. By delivering unparalleled testing fidelity across a broad frequency range, the centre will empower indigenous radar and stealth programs, curtail foreign dependency, and accelerate the rollout of next‑generation combat platforms. As the facility transitions to operational status, it is set to become a cornerstone of India’s strategic autonomy and a catalyst for innovation in aerospace and electronic warfare.
Image by: Marek Piwnicki
https://www.pexels.com/@marek-piwnicki-3907296
