India is developing a new radar system integrating artificial intelligence to detect and track hypersonic missiles, which are weapons that can reach speeds above Mach 5 (5 times faster than sound speed), equivalent to more than 6,000 km/h.
This is considered an important step forward in efforts to improve defense capabilities against modern threats.
One of the biggest challenges when tracking hypersonic missiles is the plasma layer formed around the vehicle during flight.
At extremely high speeds, compressed and heated air forms a layer of charged gas surrounding the missile.
This plasma layer acts as an electromagnetic shield, disturbing and degrading radar signals, especially for systems using high bands such as X or S.
To overcome this limitation, India's new system uses active electronic scanning array radar (AESA) operating in the L-band, which is a frequency range with longer wavelengths and less affected by plasma. As a result, the radar can penetrate the noise layer and receive target signals more effectively.
In addition, the system also integrates transceiver modules using gallium nitride material, helping to increase transceiver power and improve target detection capabilities in a chaotic environment.
Another notable point is the application of Space-Time Adaptive Processing (STAP) technology, which allows distinguishing signals from the plasma layer from the missile's main body, thereby improving the accuracy of tracking.
In particular, artificial intelligence and machine learning play a central role in this system.
AI can adjust radar parameters in real time, including frequency, wave form and scanning method, helping radar adapt to constantly changing targets such as speed, altitude or plasma properties throughout the flight journey.
It is known that this project is part of India's long-term strategy to strengthen early detection and defense capabilities against supersonic weapons that are becoming increasingly common in the world.
The successful development of this radar not only helps India improve its space surveillance capabilities but also contributes to shaping the trend of AI application in defense technology, where processing speed and adaptability play a decisive role.
