BEL Secures DRDO’s Advanced DAS Contract For AMCA MK-2 Fighter Program
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has secured the prestigious Distributed Aperture System (DAS) development contract for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) MK‑2, outbidding its closest competitor, Data Patterns. The
DAS is a critical sensor suite enabling full‑spherical situational awareness
akin to the F‑35’s Electro‑Optical DAS, marking a significant leap in India’s
indigenous sensor fusion capabilities.
The development program has been bifurcated into two variants — DAS‑High
Definition (HD) and DAS‑Dual Band (DB). The HD variant, valued at ₹12.92
crore, focuses on high‑resolution imaging and real‑time threat detection. The
DB variant, the more complex and higher‑cost system at ₹41.97 crore, will
combine dual‑spectral inputs for enhanced day‑night and all‑weather
operational awareness, a key requirement for AMCA’s stealth and survivability
profile.
The DAS‑HD is scheduled for completion and delivery by 29 August 2026, while
the DAS‑DB is due by 29 August 2027. The systems are to be integrated with
AMCA’s indigenous mission computer and sensor fusion architecture under DRDO’s
leadership.
The AMCA’s DAS will enable 360‑degree missile warning, infrared search and
track (IRST) functionality, and passive identification of threats. It will
network seamlessly with radar, electronic warfare suites, and weapon sensors
to inform the pilot via the cockpit’s panoramic display.
This win cements BEL’s dominance in high‑end avionics manufacturing following
recent projects such as the Digital Fly‑By‑Wire System and active
electronically scanned array radar modules. The DAS program underscores
India’s drive to achieve sovereign control over next‑generation
electro‑optical technologies central to fifth‑generation fighter operations.
Detailed comparison table between the AMCA MK-2’s Distributed Aperture System
(DAS) by Bharat Electronics Limited and the F-35’s AN/AAQ-37 DAS:
| Feature | AMCA MK-2 DAS (BEL) | F-35 AN/AAQ-37 DAS |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Sensors | Not specified (likely multi-sensor array) | Six high-resolution infrared sensors mounted around the airframe for full 360° spherical coverage |
| Coverage | Full spherical situational awareness planned | 360° spherical (4π steradian) situational awareness |
| Sensor Type | Includes High Definition (HD) and Dual Band (DB) infrared sensors for multi-spectral capability | Electro-optical infrared sensors providing day/night and missile tracking capabilities |
| Core Functions | Missile and aircraft detection, tracking, real-time imaging, threat warning, passive threat identification | Missile launch detection and tracking, aircraft detection, IRST, cueing, imagery directly to helmet display |
| Delivery Timeline | HD variant by 29 Aug 2026, Dual Band by 29 Aug 2027 | Operational since 2011 with continuous upgrades |
| Cost | ₹12.92 Cr (HD), ₹41.97 Cr (Dual Band) | Cost incorporated within F-35 system (approx. $400,000 helmet display for imagery reception) |
| Integration | To integrate with DRDO’s sensor fusion for AMCA MK-2 | Integrated with pilot helmet-mounted display and AESA radar sensor fusion in F-35 |
| Special Capabilities | Multi-spectral HD and dual band sensors expected to enhance stealth and operational effectiveness | Proven ballistic missile detection, night vision, and through-aircraft structural imagery |
| Manufacturer | Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), DRDO-led development | Northrop Grumman / Raytheon (since 2023) |
| Strategic Role | Critical sensor suite for 5th gen AMCA stealth fighter | Key sensor providing 5th generation situational awareness |
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