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Context :

• Recently, China has deployed a Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) in Yunnan province..

Key Details:

• Location: Yunnan province is close to the China Myanmar border.
• Surveillance Range: it exceeds 5000 kilometers. It enables monitoring of the Indian Ocean & deep into Indian territory.
• Capabilities:
  • It has Real time detection & tracking of ballistic missile launches.
  • It has Electronically controlled antennas for instantaneous scanning, unlike traditional radars with mechanical rotation.
  • It can track multiple targets including ballistic missiles with high precision.

Role in Defence Systems:

• LPARs are important in early warning systems & air defense networks due to their ability to detect threats quickly and accurately.

Global Comparison:

• Global Players: The LPAR system is also used by the US & Russia.
• Comparison with US PAVE PAWS:
  • PAVE PAWS has a detection range of 5,600 km & it tracks various missile types including submarine launched ballistic missiles.
  • The Chinese LPAR's capabilities are compared to the Cold War era PAVE PAWS radar system.

Concerns for India:

• The LPAR’s range allows it to monitor Indian missile tests which are conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island. It is on the eastern coast of india.
  • This is critical for testing strategic weapons like the AgninV ICBM & K 4 submarine-launched missile.
• China gains valuable data By tracking missile trajectories, speeds, & distances.
• It increases its ability to develop countermeasures.

Source: indiatoday