The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a major capital acquisition contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad, for the procurement of state-of-the-art Low-Level Transportable Radar (LLTR) ‘Ashwini’. The deal, valued at Rs 2,906 crore, marks a crucial step in strengthening the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) air surveillance and defence capabilities.
The ‘Ashwini’ radar is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, indigenously designed and developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Based on solid-state technology, this cutting-edge radar is capable of detecting and tracking a wide spectrum of aerial threats, from high-speed fighter jets to slow-moving objects such as helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The induction of these radars is expected to significantly enhance the IAF’s operational preparedness, providing superior situational awareness and tracking capabilities. This aligns with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, reducing reliance on foreign manufacturers while strengthening the indigenous defence ecosystem.
The Ashwini radar system boasts several high-end technological advancements:
- 4D Surveillance: The radar provides real-time tracking of altitude, azimuth, range, and velocity of aerial targets.
- Integrated Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) System: Ensures secure recognition of friendly aircraft while detecting hostile intrusions.
- Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM): Capable of withstanding jamming and other electronic warfare threats.
- Mobility and Deployment Flexibility: Designed for rapid deployment across diverse terrains, enabling swift operational readiness.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, who was present at the contract signing ceremony in New Delhi on March 12, highlighted the significance of the Ashwini radar procurement. “This contract is a milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence technology. With Ashwini radars, we are not only bolstering our national security but also creating opportunities for indigenous defence manufacturing,” Singh stated.
This procurement strengthens India’s defence industrial base by fostering collaboration between DRDO, BEL, and other domestic players in the sector.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the key manufacturer of the Ashwini radar, has also bagged a separate contract worth Rs 2,463 crore from the Ministry of Defence. With this new deal, BEL’s total order book has now reached Rs 17,030 crore for the financial year 2025.
In an official statement, BEL emphasized the radar’s capabilities: “These indigenous, mobile radars, jointly developed with DRDO, offer unmatched tracking efficiency and can detect aerial targets ranging from supersonic fighter jets to slow-moving UAVs. This acquisition will play a crucial role in safeguarding Indian airspace.”
In a parallel development, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi visited multiple BEL facilities earlier this week to assess the latest advancements in defence and weapon systems. He was briefed on:
- The Advanced Defence Systems Navy SBU
- Near Field Test Range
- Precision Manufacturing Facility for MRSAM (Medium Range Surface to Air Missile) and LRSAM (Long Range Surface to Air Missile)
Admiral Tripathi lauded BEL’s contributions to India’s defence sector, stating, “BEL has been at the forefront of cutting-edge technology. Its unwavering commitment to self-reliance has made it a crucial player in our national security framework.”
