NEW DELHI: In a significant move to enhance India’s defense capabilities and promote self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹2,906 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of the indigenously developed Low-Level Transportable Radar (LLTR), Ashwini. The contract was formalized in New Delhi on March 12, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
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The Ashwini radar is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) system developed by the Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It employs ultra modern solid-state technology, enabling it to track a wide range of aerial targets, from high-speed fighter aircraft to slower-moving objects like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters.
This versatility is expected to significantly enhance the operational preparedness of the Indian Air Force (IAF) by improving both surveillance and response mechanisms.
The procurement of the Ashwini radar aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign defense equipment manufacturers.
By fostering indigenous innovation and supporting domestic defense manufacturers like BEL, this contract is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s defense industrial ecosystem. The acquisition is expected to accelerate India’s journey toward greater self-reliance in defense manufacturing, underscoring the nation’s commitment to enhancing its strategic capabilities through indigenous development.
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BEL, established in 1954 and headquartered in Bangalore, is a public sector aerospace and defense electronics company under the Ministry of Defence. It specializes in manufacturing advanced electronic products for ground and aerospace applications, including radars, weapon systems, and communication equipment. BEL has been granted Navratna status, reflecting its strategic importance and operational autonomy.
This development bolsters the IAF’s operational capabilities and acts as a catalyst for the growth of the domestic defense industrial ecosystem.
