India eyes Raytheon’s airborne surveillance radars

Tucson: Top US-based defence equipment major, Raytheon, has said the Indian Air Force, has sent two Requests for Information (RFIs) for airborne surveillance and reconnaissance radars which would be used to strengthen security along India's long borders, according to a top company official.

"We have received two RFIs from the IAF... We have responded to them but it is very early stages of forming the requirements," Justin Monger, business manager for Raytheon's Integrated Defence Systems, told visiting Indian reporters here in this city in Arizona state.

Monger said the IAF was yet to decide whether it wanted to opt for the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) system or the Mechanically Scanned Arrangement.

"Given the long border and geographic challenges, the surveillance aircraft has to go high up, may be 40,000 feet. In view of these fundamental constraints, a high powered AESA radar on board a business jet like Gulf Stream or Bombardier (is required)," he said when asked which of the two systems would suit the IAF needs.

Monger said, however, IAF will have to specify its needs and the company would accordingly suggest a solution.