Earlier, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) deployed two new radar systems in a bid to enhance air defense monitoring. According to reports, these include TPS-77 MRR and YLC-18A.
As per details, a US defense firm called Lockheed Martin developed the TPS-77 MRR which is a long-range, ground-based air search radar. It has ranges approaching 500 km with Action-Based Testing (ABT) detection at 300 km for typical fighter aircraft.
The design also incorporates GaN technology and LPI features which prevent the RWR of enemy fighters from getting triggered.
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Interestingly, the high-performing radar can easily mount on vehicles or easily transported via C-130, truck, rail, or helicopter.
https://twitter.com/PSFAERO/status/1465013058372128772?s=20
TPS-77 radars are the only radars in the world that provide valley coverage and long-range detection capabilities. With the deployment of these systems, Pakistan will have the capability to curb the drug traffickers’ unrestricted movement into the borders from neighboring countries, for example, Afghanistan.
Important to note, during the 2021 Dubai Air Show, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) indicated that it is overhauling the Lockheed Martin TPS-77 MRR.
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The Chinese YLC-18A
On the other hand, the YLC-18A is a long-range, ground-based L-band 3D AESA low-level gap filler air search radar developed by Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology, designed to counter stealth targets even in a heavy ECM environment.
PAF can use the YLC-18A as a Surface to Air Missile (SAM) target indicator and anti-aircraft artillery force. Furthermore, it contains the capability of Constant False Alarm Rate processing and Digital Moving Target Indication.
https://twitter.com/The_ShieldX/status/1444364974881755142?s=20
Interestingly, the China-made YLC-18A is specifically designed to counter and track the US F-35 Lightning II Aircraft and F-22 Raptor Aircraft. It carries a range of up to 200 km in a complex and hybrid electronic warfare environment.
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The YLC-18A can easily elevate its radar antenna in seconds. It can start a high-speed 360 rotation for the detection of any low or medium-altitude targets.
With the deployment of these radar systems, Pakistan’s air monitoring capabilities will certainly improve.