Ministry of Defence Signs ₹770 Crore Contract with BEL for Advanced Low-Level Lightweight Radars
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
NEW DELHI, October 21, 2026: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a ₹770 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of Improved Low-Level Lightweight Radars (LLLR-I), strengthening the Indian Army’s air defence capabilities against emerging aerial threats, including small and micro drones.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi on October 21, 2026, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The acquisition is aimed at enhancing the Army’s ability to detect, track and respond to increasingly complex threats in the airspace.
Advanced Radar Systems to Counter Drone Threats
The Improved Low-Level Lightweight Radar system is designed to detect and track fighter-sized aerial targets as well as mini and micro drones. It also features an additional capability to prioritise detected aerial targets, helping defence personnel assess and respond to potential threats more effectively.
With unmanned aerial systems (UAS) posing growing challenges to military installations and operational formations, the deployment of these improved radar systems is expected to strengthen the Indian Army’s surveillance and air defence preparedness.
Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The ₹770 crore procurement represents another step towards strengthening domestic defence manufacturing and advancing the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The contract is expected to support India’s defence industrial ecosystem, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), by reinforcing indigenous capabilities in the development and production of air defence technologies.
The initiative also aligns with the broader objective of building a resilient, self-reliant and globally competitive Indian defence industry while reducing dependence on external sources for critical military equipment.
Strengthening India’s Air Defence Preparedness
As aerial threats continue to evolve with the growing use of unmanned platforms, modern radar technology remains a critical component of effective air defence. The procurement of Improved Low-Level Lightweight Radars is intended to enhance the Indian Army’s capacity to identify and track diverse aerial targets and strengthen its response to emerging operational challenges.
The agreement with BEL underscores the continuing emphasis on capability modernisation, indigenous technology and domestic defence production as India works towards a more technologically advanced and self-reliant military.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, October 21, 2026.
