Swathi Radar vs AN/TPQ-53: Counter-Battery Radar Showdown

In the evolving landscape of modern artillery warfare, counter-battery radars have become essential for detecting, tracking, and neutralizing enemy fire. These radar systems play a pivotal role in providing situational awareness, force protection, and target acquisition. Two of the most discussed systems in this domain are India’s Swathi Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) and the U.S.-developed AN/TPQ-53 radar. Both serve the core purpose of tracking incoming artillery, rockets, and mortars—but they differ in design philosophy, range, technology, and deployment concepts.

1. Introduction to Counter-Battery Radars

What Are Counter-Battery Radars?

Counter-battery radars are specialized systems used to locate the source of incoming fire, typically from artillery, mortars, or rocket launchers. They use Doppler radar technology and advanced tracking algorithms to:

• Detect the trajectory of incoming rounds
• Calculate the point of origin
• Relay coordinates for counter-fire missions

2. Overview of the Radar Systems

Swathi Weapon Locating Radar (India)

The Swathi WLR is developed by India’s DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). It was designed to meet the needs of the Indian Army for mountainous and rugged terrain.

Key points:

• Developed indigenously
• Designed for high-altitude performance
• Exported to Armenia in 2020

AN/TPQ-53 Radar (USA)

The AN/TPQ-53 is a state-of-the-art mobile radar system developed by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Army. It is an upgrade over the previous AN/TPQ-36 and TPQ-37 radars and supports multi-mission roles, including drone tracking.

Key points:

• Highly automated and mobile
• Integrated into US Army’s artillery doctrine
• Used for both counter-battery and UAV detection

3. Radar Technology and Detection Capabilities

Swathi Radar Technology

• Radar Type: Passive electronically scanned array (PESA)

• Detection Range:

1. Artillery shells: up to 30 km
2. Mortars and rockets: up to 40–50 km

• Target Tracking: Up to 7–8 simultaneous weapons

• Coverage: 90° in azimuth (sector-scanning)

The Swathi radar uses track-while-scan technology, meaning it can detect new threats while maintaining a lock on existing ones. It is also capable of working in dense electromagnetic environments with electronic counter-countermeasure (ECCM) capabilities.

AN/TPQ-53 Radar Technology

• Radar Type: Active electronically scanned array (AESA)

• Detection Range:

  Mortars, artillery, and rockets: up to 60–70 km

• Target Tracking: Up to multiple projectiles across 360°

• Coverage: 360° with full rotation or 90° sector mode

The AN/TPQ-53 can detect and classify ballistic projectiles, rockets, and drones. Its AESA radar allows for faster beam steering, enhanced reliability, and low maintenance.

4. Platform and Mobility

Swathi Radar Mobility

• Mounted on a Tatra 8×8 high-mobility vehicle
• Setup time: 20–30 minutes
• Operable in high-altitude and rugged terrains
• Designed for static or semi-mobile deployment

The Swathi is optimized for difficult terrain, such as the Himalayan borders, and includes features for quick redeployment and modular support systems.

AN/TPQ-53 Mobility

• Mounted on a Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV)
• Setup time: Less than 10 minutes
• Highly mobile, designed for fast-paced battlefield movement
• Integrated self-location via GPS and INS

The system is air-transportable and supports on-the-move operations, offering a tactical edge in high-intensity conflict zones.

5. Deployment and Combat Use

Swathi Deployment

• Actively deployed along India’s borders with Pakistan and China
• Proven in mountain warfare scenarios
• Exported to Armenia, where it was used in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

Swathi’s rugged construction and performance in mountain warfare give it a unique advantage in subcontinental and high-altitude conflicts.

AN/TPQ-53 Deployment

• Widely deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and other conflict zones
• Used by the U.S. Army for force protection and fire support coordination
• Deployed in radar fusion networks for multi-mission threat response

The radar has also proven useful in detecting and tracking small UAVs, expanding its role beyond traditional artillery threat detection.

6. Command Systems and Networking

Swathi System Integration

• Compatible with Indian fire control systems
• Data relayed to command centers for artillery coordination
• Can be networked, but less automated compared to U.S. systems

AN/TPQ-53 System Integration

• Integrated with AFATDS (Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System)
• Compatible with network-centric warfare environments
• Can operate with joint forces, NATO units, and multi-domain operations

7. Strengths and Limitations

Swathi Radar – Pros & Cons

Strengths:

• Indigenous production
• Proven in high-altitude combat
• Cost-effective for developing countries
• Export potential

Limitations:

• Sector-based scanning (not full 360°)
• Lower automation and range than modern Western systems

AN/TPQ-53 Radar – Pros & Cons

Strengths:

• 360° scanning with AESA radar
• Dual-use for UAV and artillery detection
• Rapid deployment, high automation
• Integrated with digital battlefield systems

Limitations:

• Significantly higher cost
• Maintenance-intensive compared to simpler systems

8. Comparative Summary Table