Tech Desk: The Indian Army has secured a crucial Rs 770 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for Improved Low-Level Lightweight Radars (LLLR-I), a significant step to bolster its air defence capabilities against the escalating threat of drones.

These advanced LLLR-I systems are engineered to detect and track a wide range of aerial targets, from fighter jet-sized aircraft to mini and micro drones. Crucially, they possess the ability to prioritize multiple aerial threats, empowering the Army to effectively neutralize Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and secure its airspace.

The procurement aligns perfectly with the government’s ambitious ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ vision, championing indigenization in defence manufacturing. This ‘Indian Army Lightweight Radar Deal’ is poised to provide a substantial boost to India’s defence ecosystem, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), fostering a more resilient and self-reliant industry.

India’s defence sector has witnessed transformative growth over the past decade, with military hardware production soaring and exports reaching record highs. This strategic deal further underscores the nation’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces while simultaneously strengthening its domestic industrial base and reducing reliance on foreign imports.