The Indian Navy is moving ahead with a comprehensive upgrade program for its MiG-29K carrier fighters, selecting DRDO’s indigenous Uttam Mk2 AESA radar to replace the aging Zhuk-ME mechanically scanned radar currently in service.
The decision comes after assessments in late 2025 revealed that the Russian-origin Zhuk-ME radar had experienced close to a 40 percent drop in performance, largely caused by the humid and salt-laden maritime environment in which the aircraft operate. The deterioration raised concerns over the radar’s long-term reliability and mission effectiveness.
In response, the Navy has opted for a domestically developed radar solution that aligns with India’s growing emphasis on self-reliance and operational independence. Developed by LRDE, the Uttam Mk2 AESA radar offers advanced capabilities far beyond the existing system, including simultaneous tracking of multiple aerial and surface threats and enhanced protection against electronic jamming.
The adoption of AESA technology is expected to significantly improve the MiG-29K’s operational performance across air superiority and maritime strike missions. Compared to conventional mechanically scanned radars, the Uttam Mk2 delivers faster target acquisition, greater situational awareness, and improved survivability in contested environments.
The ongoing 2026 tender process also prioritizes maritime hardening measures for the radar. Protective coatings and corrosion-resistant technologies are being integrated to withstand the harsh salt-air conditions encountered during carrier deployments in the Indian Ocean.
In addition to radar modernization, the upgrade will enable compatibility with indigenous Astra Mk1 and Mk2 BVR missiles, helping the Navy reduce reliance on imported Russian R-77 missiles while expanding its indigenous weapons inventory.
The modernization effort is particularly important due to delays in the induction of the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), which is not expected to enter operational service before 2038–2040. Consequently, the MiG-29K fleet will continue operating as the Indian Navy’s primary carrier-based fighter force aboard INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya well into the next decade.
