Indian Army to Enhance Surveillance with Modern Lightweight Radars in ₹770 Crore Deal
The Indian Army has signed a ₹770 crore deal for advanced lightweight radars to enhance surveillance against aerial threats.
New Delhi, October 21 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian Army is set to bolster its surveillance capabilities against enemy aircraft and small drones with a new contract for advanced lightweight radars. The Ministry of Defence has finalized a deal worth approximately ₹770 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for these enhanced radar systems.
These radars will be capable of detecting aerial targets comparable in size to fighter jets, as well as small and micro drones. This technology is expected to significantly aid the Army in countering threats posed by unmanned aerial systems.
The agreement was signed on October 21 in New Delhi, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The radars will be equipped for low-altitude surveillance, allowing for the identification and monitoring of aerial threats while prioritizing targets based on their significance.
In modern warfare, the use of unmanned aerial systems has emerged as a major challenge. The new radars will assist the Army in identifying these aerial threats and preparing appropriate responses. An additional feature of these systems is their ability to prioritize aerial targets, which will enhance focus on critical objectives during surveillance operations.
According to the Ministry of Defence, this contract also represents a significant step towards indigenizing the country’s air defense systems. It is expected to boost India’s defense manufacturing sector and encourage micro, small, and medium enterprises within the defense production ecosystem.
This procurement aligns with India’s goals for a developed nation by 2047. The aim is to establish a robust, self-reliant defense industry capable of competing globally. Defense experts believe that this ₹770 crore agreement is crucial not only for strengthening the Indian Army’s aerial surveillance capabilities but also for promoting the indigenous manufacturing of modern air defense equipment in the country.
