IAF seeks indigenous drone swarm radar system to boost surveillance in contested zones

The Indian Air Force is exploring domestic capabilities to develop collaborative drone-based surveillance radar systems, inviting proposals from industry, academia and start-ups under the Mehar Baba Competition. The initiative aims to create a swarm drone system capable of detecting, tracking and reporting aerial targets in contested environments while providing an accurate real-time aerial picture to a centralised command.

The move reflects lessons from recent conflicts, where large, static early warning radars became primary targets. Such systems are typically fixed in location and operate within limited frequency bands, making them vulnerable.

In contrast, a drone-based swarm radar system can be reconfigured based on operational needs, offering flexibility in both deployment and functionality.


“A swarm drone based radar system can be morphed into a large radar or a small radar depending on the requirement. Unlike physical radar arrays, this system will be able to be configured to shift functions, such as from detecting stealth aircraft to identifying hypersonic weapons,” an Air Force source said.

Drone swarm radar vs conventional systems

Conventional radar systems are large, static installations that rely on fixed transmitter and receiver setups, making them easier to target and limited in adaptability.

A drone swarm based radar system, on the other hand, is mobile and can be configured based on mission requirements. It can scale in size and shift functions as needed, operating as a distributed network rather than a single fixed unit.

Unlike conventional radars that can be neutralised by striking a single location, a swarm system consists of multiple airborne elements, making it more difficult for adversaries to disable through traditional means.

Mobility and survivability seen as key advantages

Officials believe that a distributed swarm of drones would be harder for adversaries to neutralise compared to traditional ground-based radars.

“A swarm drone based radar system would be a difficult target to take down by an adversary. Unlike a regular ground based radar, the swarm drone based system can be moved and would present multiple airborne elements that are not easily targeted through conventional means,” the source said, adding that flexible deployment options further strengthen its operational value.

Technical challenges flagged by experts

Despite its advantages, the concept faces technical hurdles. A senior scientist at Bharat Electronics Limited highlighted concerns related to power requirements for drones and the need for substantial computational capability.

The scientist noted that maintaining coordinated drone formations and generating a unified radar picture from a distributed and moving system would require significant processing power.

Industry collaboration through Mehar Baba Competition

The Indian Air Force is seeking active participation from domestic stakeholders to develop the system, with selected participants expected to work closely with the force.

The competition is named after Air Commodore Mehar Singh, a decorated officer who received the Distinguished Service Order and the IAF’s first Maha Vir Chakra, and was also the first to land an aircraft in Leh.