India Homegrown Mobile Radars: The Indian government has taken a big step to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities. The Ministry of Defense has signed a deal with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to buy 18 ‘Ashwini’ Low-level Transportable Radars (LLTR) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The deal is worth Rs 2,906 crore ($330 million). These radars are designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), making them the first of their kind to be made in India for the IAF.
The Ashwini radar will help the IAF detect and track different types of aerial threats, including fighter jets, helicopters, missiles, and even slow-moving drones. The Ministry of Defence said, “This program is a major step towards achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing. It will reduce India’s dependence on foreign equipment makers and help build a strong defense industry in the country.”
U.S. Conducts ‘Provocative Bombing Drill’ Near Russian Border: B-52H Deploys GBU-38 JDAM Munitions
According to Eurasian Times, the contract was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar. This move comes at a time when China is rapidly expanding its surveillance network near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the border between India and China.
What is the Ashwini Radar?
The Ashwini LLTR is an advanced radar system that uses modern technology. It is an active electronically scanned phased array radar, which means it can track multiple targets at the same time. The radar can detect everything from fast-moving fighter jets to slow-moving drones and helicopters. It is mounted on vehicles, making it easy to move and deploy in different terrains, especially in border areas.
The radar has many advanced features, such as solid-state technology, digital receivers, and programmable signal processors. It can provide 360-degree coverage and can detect targets up to 200 kilometers away. It can also detect small objects with a radar cross-section of just two square meters from a distance of 150 kilometers. The radar can cover altitudes from 30 meters to 15 kilometers, making it useful for detecting low-flying drones.
The Ashwini radar is fully programmable and can be operated from a local workstation. It has already completed design, development, and user trials and is now ready for use by the IAF.
The Ashwini radar will significantly improve the IAF’s ability to detect and respond to aerial threats. It will also enhance India’s early warning systems, especially along the border with China. The radar’s ability to be quickly moved and deployed makes it a valuable asset for the IAF in different operational scenarios.
China’s Growing Radar Network
China has been working hard to expand its radar network. Last month, reports revealed that China has built a giant long-range radar capable of detecting missiles, including hypersonic ones, from thousands of kilometers away. This radar can even monitor India’s missile tests in real-time.
China has also developed other advanced radar systems, including one that can detect stealth aircraft and another that can operate from underwater. These developments have raised concerns for India, especially along the LAC.
BEL Secures Rs 2,463 Crore Defence Contract to Supply Advanced Ashwini Radars to IAF
What Does This Mean for India?
China’s growing radar network poses a challenge for India. In October 2023, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said that China has placed many radars along the LAC. He also mentioned that India is working on deploying high-powered radars to match China’s surveillance capabilities.
While India still has a long way to go to catch up with China’s radar technology, the addition of 18 Ashwini radars is a big step forward. These radars will boost India’s early warning systems and improve its ability to monitor and respond to threats along the border.
