To beef up its capabilities to detect stealth aircraft and to fill in certain existing gaps in the air defence network, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has drawn up plans to procure additional very high frequency (VHF) radars to deployment in remote high altitude areas.

VHF radars, according to experts, operate use longer wavelengths than traditional radars. These wavelengths are able to penetrate the radar-absorbing coatings on stealth aircraft, then making them easier to detect. They can also pick up targets at longer ranges.

The IAF’s move to procure VHF radars assume significance in the light of China fielding fifth generation J-20 fighters that have stealth capabilities and reports of Pakistan also moving to acquire these aircraft. Also the emerging nature of warfare revolving around low

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