New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth approximately ₹770 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of Improved Low Level Light Weight Radars (LLLR-I) for the Indian Army.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The procurement aims to strengthen the Indian Army’s air defence capabilities by providing advanced radar systems designed to detect and track aerial threats, including fighter-sized targets and small unmanned aerial vehicles.
The contract marks another step towards strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and equipping the armed forces with advanced surveillance and detection systems.
Key Features of Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar (LLLR-I)
The Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar is designed to detect, track and prioritise different types of aerial targets, including conventional aircraft and small drones.
Its key capabilities include:
- Detection of fighter-sized targets: The radar can detect and track fighter-sized aerial targets, supporting air surveillance and threat identification.
- Detection of mini and micro drones: The system can identify and track smaller unmanned aerial vehicles that pose emerging security challenges.
- Target prioritisation: The radar can prioritise detected aerial targets to support threat assessment and response.
- Enhanced air defence support: The system will strengthen the Indian Army’s ability to monitor low-level aerial threats and counter unmanned aerial system (UAS) challenges.
These capabilities are increasingly important as small drones and other unmanned systems become more widely used in modern military operations.
Read also: India Boosts Defence Capabilities With ₹4,106 Crore Satellite And Torpedo Deals
BEL Radar Procurement to Strengthen Indian Army’s Air Defence
The procurement of LLLR-I systems is intended to enhance the Indian Army’s ability to identify and track aerial threats. The radar’s capacity to monitor both fighter-sized targets and mini and micro drones will support surveillance across different categories of potential threats.
The ability to prioritise aerial targets can also help improve threat assessment and support timely responses by air defence units.
With unmanned aerial systems becoming an important consideration in modern warfare, the acquisition reflects the growing importance of advanced radar technology in India’s defence preparedness.
Contract Boosts Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The Ministry of Defence stated that the procurement represents a significant step towards the indigenisation of air defence platforms.
The contract is expected to support India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Greater reliance on indigenous systems can help strengthen domestic technological capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign defence equipment.
Bharat Electronics Limited, a major Indian defence electronics manufacturer, plays an important role in developing and supplying electronic systems for the country’s armed forces.
The contract also reinforces the government’s emphasis on developing advanced defence technologies within India and strengthening the domestic defence industrial base.
Procurement Aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @2047
The radar procurement aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to promote self-reliance across key sectors, including defence manufacturing.
It also supports the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, which seeks to develop India into a prosperous, technologically advanced and globally competitive nation.
By investing in indigenous air defence platforms, the government aims to build a resilient defence manufacturing ecosystem, encourage technological innovation and strengthen India’s position in the global defence industry.
The involvement of domestic manufacturers and MSMEs is expected to contribute to industrial development while supporting the modernisation requirements of the armed forces.
About Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is a Government of India-owned aerospace and defence electronics company under the Ministry of Defence. Established in 1954 and headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, BEL manufactures a wide range of defence and civilian electronic systems, including radars, communication equipment, electronic warfare systems, naval systems and surveillance technologies. The company plays a key role in supporting India’s defence modernisation and indigenous manufacturing initiatives.
Read also: How This BEL Sahana Partnership Can Be Critical For Indian Army AK-203 Rifle Programme
