In a significant step towards strengthening indigenous defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence has signed a Rs 1,950 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited for the procurement of two advanced mountain radar systems for the Indian Air Force. The deal falls under the ‘Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)’ category, reinforcing the government’s broader push to reduce reliance on foreign defence imports and promote domestic production.
These radar systems have been designed and developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment, a Bengaluru-based laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation. As part of the contract, Bharat Electronics Limited will handle the complete execution of the project, including manufacturing, installation, and commissioning of the systems, along with the necessary supporting equipment and infrastructure.
Mountain radars are specifically built for high-altitude deployment, where conventional radar systems often face operational challenges due to terrain-related limitations and extreme weather conditions. These advanced systems are expected to significantly enhance surveillance capabilities in mountainous border regions by enabling early detection and accurate tracking of aerial threats such as fighter aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles.
The induction of these radars is expected to strengthen India’s integrated air defence network, particularly in sensitive frontier areas. Improved situational awareness and faster response times will play a critical role in maintaining airspace security and operational readiness in challenging environments.
Beyond military capability, the project is also expected to provide a boost to India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem. The execution of the contract will involve a network of local suppliers and MSMEs, contributing to industrial growth, job creation, and the development of advanced technological expertise within the country.
This agreement forms part of a broader shift in defence procurement strategy, where the government has increasingly prioritised indigenous design and production. By reserving key acquisition categories for Indian vendors, the focus is on building long-term self-reliance in critical defence technologies while simultaneously enhancing operational capabilities.
