New Delhi: The Indian Army’s air defence capability is set to receive a major boost after the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹770 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) on October 21, 2026. The Indian Army lightweight radar deal will provide Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar (LLLR-I) systems designed to detect and track fighter-sized aircraft, mini drones and micro drones. The new radars will also help the Army identify and prioritise aerial threats, strengthening India’s ability to counter unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Indian Army Radar Deal: Key Highlights
- Contract Value: Approximately ₹770 crore
- Contract Signed: October 21, 2026
- Buyer: Ministry Of Defence
- Supplier: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
- Radar System: Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar (LLLR-I)
- Main Purpose: Detecting And Tracking Aircraft And Small Drones
- Additional Capability: Prioritising Aerial Targets
- Main Objective: Strengthening Indigenous Air Defence Capabilities
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Indian Army Radar Deal: Ministry Of Defence Signs ₹770 Crore Contract With BEL
The Ministry of Defence signed the contract with Bharat Electronics Limited, a government-owned defence electronics company, in New Delhi on October 21, 2026.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh was present during the contract signing. The agreement aims to strengthen the Indian Army’s ability to monitor low-level aerial threats and respond to the growing challenge posed by unmanned aerial systems. The contract is also an important step towards developing and procuring more air defence equipment within India.
What Is The Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar (LLLR-I)
The Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar (LLLR-I) is an air surveillance system designed to detect and track aerial targets.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the radar can identify and track fighter-sized targets as well as mini and micro drones. It can also prioritise aerial targets, helping operators determine which threats require greater attention.
This capability is important because small drones can present difficult detection and tracking challenges, particularly when they fly close to the ground. The system is intended to strengthen the Army’s ability to identify potential aerial threats and support its air defence operations.
How Will Indian Army Radar Deal Help The Counter Drone Threats
Drones are increasingly used for surveillance, reconnaissance and other military missions. Their small size and low-altitude flight can make them difficult to detect using some conventional surveillance systems.
The LLLR-I radar is designed to help address this challenge by detecting and tracking mini and micro drones alongside larger aerial targets.
Its target-prioritisation capability can help air defence personnel assess detected objects and focus attention on the most important threats. However, radar detection and tracking are only parts of an air defence response. The ability to intercept or destroy a drone depends on the wider defence network, available weapons and operational conditions.
FAQs
The Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth approximately ₹770 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited on October 21, 2026, to procure Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar (LLLR-I) systems for the Indian Army.
Yes. According to the Ministry of Defence, the LLLR-I radar can detect and track fighter-sized aerial targets as well as mini and micro drones. It can also prioritise aerial targets.
India is procuring these radars to strengthen the Indian Army’s air defence capabilities, improve the detection and tracking of aerial threats, counter unmanned aerial systems and support domestic defence manufacturing.
