Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR)

• China has recently installed a Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) in Yunnan Province, boosting its surveillance over India and the Indian Ocean.

Key Features of LPAR

• Advanced Surveillance: Uses electronically controlled antennas for rapid scanning and multi-target tracking.
• Extended Range: Over 5,000 km, capable of monitoring India’s missile tests in real time.
• Early Warning System: Detects and tracks ballistic missile launches, providing critical trajectory data.
• Strategic Location & Intelligence Capabilities
• Positioned in Yunnan Province, allowing surveillance over the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and Indian missile test sites.
• Enables real-time tracking of Indian missile tests, including those from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island.
• Enhances China’s intelligence gathering and countermeasure development against India’s missile advancements.

Implications for India

• Raises national security concerns as China gains critical data on India’s missile programmes.
• Challenges India’s strategic deterrence and defence planning.
• India is considering counter-surveillance measures to protect its missile testing and military operations.