Rohini is a 3D medium-range surveillance radar developed by LRDE/DRDO for the Indian Air Force, derived from the indigenous Central Acquisition Radar (3D-CAR) programme. It was among the first fully indigenous 3D mobile air-surveillance radars fielded by the IAF.[1]
Rohini is a mechanically-scanning pulse-Doppler radar mounted on a modified heavy truck platform (the “Tetra” vehicle) with an auxiliary power unit for autonomous field operation, designed for rapid mobility and redeployment. It provides horizontal detection range in excess of 170 km and altitude coverage of at least 15 km, capable of Track-While-Scan against up to 150 targets simultaneously, including low-altitude threats and targets flying at speeds beyond Mach 3, even in hostile electronic-warfare environments.[1][2]
Rohini is the Indian Air Force-specific derivative of the 3D-CAR base design; the Indian Navy’s shipborne derivative of the same base radar is designated Revathi. Both share a common core architecture adapted for their respective service’s operating environment (land-mobile vs. stabilised shipborne mount).[1]
| Type | 3D mobile medium-range air-surveillance radar (mechanically scanning pulse-Doppler) |
| Developer | LRDE, DRDO; production by BEL |
| Platform | Mobile, mounted on “Tetra” heavy truck with onboard APU |
| Detection range | 170+ km |
| Altitude coverage | 15+ km |
| Simultaneous tracks (TWS) | Up to 150 |
| User | Indian Air Force |
| Related variant | Revathi (Indian Navy shipborne derivative) |