Defence Ministry Signs Rs 770-Crore Deal With BEL

India’s Defence Ministry has signed a ₹770 crore contract with BEL to supply improved lightweight radars for the Army, enhancing detection of fighter-sized aircraft and mini and micro drones while supporting domestic defence manufacturing.

India’s Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth approximately ₹770 crore with state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to procure Improved Low Level Light Weight Radars (LLLR-I) for the Indian Army, strengthening its ability to detect and track aerial threats, including small drones. The agreement was signed in New Delhi, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

The radar systems are designed to detect and track fighter-sized aircraft as well as mini and micro drones. They also feature the capability to prioritise aerial targets, helping the Army identify and respond to potential threats posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS). These capabilities are increasingly important as drones become a significant consideration in modern military operations.

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The procurement is intended to strengthen the Indian Army’s low-level air surveillance capabilities and improve its response to emerging aerial threats. Lightweight radar systems can support deployment across different operational environments, helping military units monitor airspace and identify potential targets.

The contract also represents a step towards the indigenisation of India’s air defence equipment. By placing the order with BEL, a domestic defence electronics manufacturer, the government aims to strengthen local production capabilities and reduce dependence on imported defence technologies.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the project is expected to support the wider defence manufacturing ecosystem, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that contribute to domestic manufacturing and supply chains. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader objective of building a self-reliant and globally competitive defence industry.

The procurement also supports the government’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, which includes strengthening domestic industrial capabilities and developing advanced technologies within India. The defence sector has increasingly focused on local manufacturing, technology development and procurement as part of efforts to improve operational readiness while expanding the domestic industrial base.

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The ₹770 crore agreement highlights the government’s continued investment in surveillance and air defence systems to address evolving security requirements while supporting India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.