B'lore scientists to develop radar to scan Naxal-infested forests

First trial likely in two years

 Few countries have access to the foliage-penetrating radar, a closely guarded technology. As the government prepares its long-term plan to tackle the Naxals, researchers in the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) have started designing the critical equipment, which will give the security agencies an advantage during anti-Naxal operations.

“The first trial is expected in two years,” R Kuloor, a senior scientist at the LRDE — one of the laboratories under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) — told Deccan Herald on Wednesday. The indigenous foliage-penetrating radar will have a range of 10-12 km and will be mounted on helicopters, possibly Dhruv advanced lightweight helicopters, to scan through a section of the jungle in search of anomalies.

The radar will be used to regularly screen the operational areas to detect any changes in a particular area. The changes can be due to the presence of people, vehicles and other objects in a Naxal camp and even metallic objects like mines and improvised explosive devices buried underground.

Once the spot is known, information can be passed quickly to security agencies for action.

The DRDO is also keen on roping in a foreign partner in the project. European firm Saab has offered its radar, CARBAS, to the LRDE, which is in the process of evaluating the radar and closing the negotiation. “But the indigenous programme is on with or without the foreign partner,” Kuloor said.

The Saab radar — being used by the Swedish defence forces — can penetrate foliage as well as ground surface because of its low wavelength. It can detect humans, mines and IEDs.

However, the foliage-penetrating radars will be more effective in summer and dry weather. In the rainy season, the wetness of the ground and tree leaves block the signal reflected back to the radar, he said.

Besides the jungle-penetrating radar, the LRDE has also embarked on a mission to come out with an indigenous behind-the-wall as well as balloon-mounted aerostat radars. While the first one would be useful in low-intensity conflict (terrorist situation) to find the hiding enemy, the aerostat will make the borders more secure.