Indian Army New Radar Systems: The Ministry of Defence has signed a deal worth around ₹770 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to buy new radars for the Indian Army. The deal was signed in New Delhi on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh was also present at the event.
The new radars are called Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar (LLLR-I). They will help the Army find and track threats in the sky, including small drones and fighter aircraft. These radars will help the Army spot different air threats and respond to them better.
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What Can the New LLLR-I Radar System Do?
The LLLR-I radar can find and track different types of aircraft and drones. It can detect fighter-sized aircraft as well as mini and micro drones. These small drones are harder to spot because of their size.
The radar can also find out which targets need attention first. This will help the Army decide which air threats are more important and respond to them on time. Drones are now being used more often for military work. Small drones can be difficult to detect, so this radar can help the Army keep a better watch on the sky and deal with these threats.
According to The Week, the LLLR-I radar has four fixed antenna panels that can watch the sky in all directions. It uses Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology. This helps the radar send signals in different directions without having to turn the antenna. Because of this, it can cover 360 degrees around it.
The radar can work in different areas like plains, deserts and high mountains. It’s also light in weight, so the Army can move it easily and use it wherever it’s needed.
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Deal to Boost India’s Defence Manufacturing
The contract is also part of the government’s plan to make more defence equipment in India. The Ministry of Defence said the purchase will support the growth of the country’s defence manufacturing sector.
Bharat Electronics Limited is an Indian defence company that makes electronic systems for the armed forces. The deal is expected to support the wider defence industry, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which form an important part of the manufacturing sector. The ministry said the purchase is in line with the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The goal is to build a strong and self-reliant defence industry that can compete with other countries.
