To enhance its defense capabilities, India is set to acquire an advanced radar system from Russia, one of its close allies. The radar, capable of detecting threats up to 6,000 kilometers away, will not only bolster India's security infrastructure but also generate significant employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth. This cutting-edge radar system, named Voronezh, comes with a price tag of over $4 billion and is known for its unmatched capabilities in early threat detection.
India and Russia are in the final stages of negotiations for the purchase of the Voronezh radar system, manufactured by Almaz-Antey, the Russian company behind the globally renowned S-400 missile defense system. A delegation of ten members from Almaz-Antey, led by the company’s Vice President Vladimir Medovnikov, recently visited India to discuss the details of the deal. During their visit, the team also explored partnerships with Indian offset companies in Delhi and Bengaluru.
A standout feature of this agreement aligns with India’s Make in India initiative: at least 60% of the radar system’s components will be manufactured domestically by Indian partners.
What is the Voronezh Radar System?
The Voronezh radar is an advanced early-warning system designed to detect ballistic missiles, stealth aircraft, and other aerial threats over long distances. Part of Russia’s missile defense and space surveillance infrastructure, this radar is capable of simultaneously tracking more than 500 objects.
The radar boasts an impressive range, with a maximum detection capability of 10,000 kilometers, a vertical range exceeding 8,000 kilometers, and a horizontal range of over 6,000 kilometers. Moscow asserts that the system can also monitor stealth aircraft, providing vital situational awareness about intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and near-Earth objects in space.
While the range and specifications of the radar vary based on its variant and frequency band, only Russia, the United States, and China currently possess radar systems with operational ranges exceeding 5,000 kilometers. India plans to deploy the Voronezh radar in Chitradurga, Karnataka.
Russia began using the Voronezh system in 2012 and has since deployed at least ten units as part of its extensive early warning and missile defense network. These systems are purely defensive and designed to safeguard against ballistic missile threats and other aerial dangers.
India’s Role in the Voronezh Project
On the Indian side, the project is being managed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), which operates under the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). In November 2022, a DRDO-led delegation, including Chairman Samir Kamat and BK Das (Director General of Electronics and Communication Systems), visited Moscow to discuss the project with their Russian counterparts.
ECS, a key division of DRDO, oversees a group of laboratories, including LRDE, which specializes in developing electronic, electro-optical, and laser-based systems and sensors.
Boosting Defense and Employment
In addition to enhancing India’s defense capabilities, the Voronezh project is expected to create substantial employment opportunities. Over 50 Indian companies are likely to be involved in the system’s development and deployment. This initiative not only strengthens national security but also contributes to economic growth and skill development within the country.
With the Voronezh radar system, India is set to take a significant leap in its defense and technological capabilities while fostering local manufacturing and employment.
By Anshuman Anand
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