The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth approximately ₹770 crore with state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to procure Improved Low Level Light Weight Radars (LLLR-I) for the Indian Army. The agreement was signed in New Delhi on October 21, 2026, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The radar systems are designed to detect and track fighter-sized aerial targets, as well as mini and micro drones. They can also prioritise aerial threats, helping the Army respond to the growing use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in modern warfare.
Advanced Radar Systems for Low-Altitude Threats
The LLLR-I systems are intended to strengthen surveillance and air defence at low altitudes, where terrain and other factors can limit the effectiveness of long-range radar systems. Their ability to identify smaller aerial targets is expected to help the Army monitor potential drone threats more effectively.
According to reports, the radar incorporates advanced electronic scanning and signal-processing technologies to improve target detection and tracking. Its lightweight design also supports deployment across different terrains, including plains, deserts and high-altitude areas.
Boost for Domestic Defence Manufacturing
The procurement is part of the government’s broader push to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported equipment. The Defence Ministry said the contract would support India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The order also aligns with the government’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, which includes building a self-reliant and globally competitive defence industry. BEL, a public sector defence electronics company, supplies radar and other electronic systems to India’s armed forces.
Strengthening India’s Air Defence Network
The contract comes amid growing attention to the role of drones and unmanned aerial systems in military operations. The ability to detect and track small aerial targets has become an important requirement for air defence forces.
The new radar procurement is expected to strengthen the Indian Army’s surveillance capabilities and improve its ability to respond to low-altitude aerial threats. It also supports the government’s focus on expanding domestic capabilities in strategic defence technologies.
The Defence Ministry signed a ₹770 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to supply advanced Low Level Light Weight Radars (LLLR-I) for the Indian Army.
