The Indian navy has issued a request for information for 3-D radars to enhance the surveillance capability of warships, the Press Trust of India said.

The 3-D radars will be deployed on ships more than 3,000 tons to provide 360-degree surveillance to detect aircraft, helicopters and incoming anti-ship missiles.

According to the RFI, the radar must automatically track in three dimensions -- range, height and direction -- and be compatible with advanced combat management systems.

India's Defense Research and Development Organization, the government's main research laboratory, has already developed 3-D radar systems.

The DRDO's successful Central Acquisition Radar is for use with Akash surface-to-air missiles and is capable of tracking 150 targets.

From the CAR, two variants have been developed. The Rohini is the Indian air force variant and the Revathi is for the navy. A third variant, known as the 3-D Tactical Control Radar for the army, is being produced.

Indian media also reported Raytheon is talking to the air force regarding airborne surveillance and reconnaissance radars that would be used along India's borders, the Indian Defense Web site said.

"We have received two RFIs from the Indian air force," Justin Monger, business manager for Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems, said. "We've got back to them, though (talks) are still at the beginning stages."

Monger said the air force hasn't decided whether to go for an Active Electronically Scanned Array system or a Mechanically Scanned Arrangement.

"The surveillance aircraft is expected to fly high, probably 40,000 feet, considering the long borders and geographic challenges. With this in mind, a high powered AESA radar on board a business jet such as a Gulfstream or a Bombardier is of high importance."

Earlier this month, India awarded Tata Power Strategic Electronics Division a contract for two radar-jamming integrated electronic warfare systems to be deployed in mountain regions.

Tata came out the low bidder, narrowly beating Israeli firm Elta for the $186 million contract.

The IEWS will be used to locate, detect and jam enemy radar and electro-optical measures in mountainous borders with China and Pakistan.

India's Defense Department sent out the tender in 2007 to domestic and foreign companies -- Israeli firms Elisra and Elta, Thales of France, EADS of Germany and domestic suppliers Tata Power, Larsen and Toubro, Bharat Electronics, ITI and Axis Aerospace.

The radar-jamming contract likely will be finalized this month, the Press Trust said.