New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence has finalized a major procurement deal with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for two advanced mountain radars and associated infrastructure destined for the Indian Air Force. Valued at ₹1,950 crore, the contract aims to significantly enhance surveillance along India’s mountainous borders. These high-performance radars, which boast a detection range of nearly 300 kilometres, are designed to operate in challenging high-altitude terrain where traditional monitoring can be obstructed by geographical barriers.
Integrated into the Air Force’s broader digital network, the Integrated Air Command, Control and Communication System (IACCCS), these units will serve as critical nodes for airspace management. By filling existing gaps in surveillance coverage, the new systems will provide real-time data to air defence commanders, allowing for a more rapid and coordinated response to potential aerial threats. Defence sources noted that the deployment of these radars is a strategic necessity for maintaining national security in sensitive frontier regions.
The project represents a milestone for the “Make in India” initiative, as the contract was signed under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category. The mountain radar technology was developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). BEL will handle the domestic manufacturing, ensuring that the entire lifecycle of the equipment—from design to commissioning—remains within the country.
According to a statement from the Ministry, this procurement not only boosts the country’s defensive capabilities but also drastically reduces long-term reliance on foreign military hardware. By strengthening domestic manufacturing and indigenous innovation, the deal supports the broader goal of achieving self-reliance in the defence sector. The installation and commissioning of these radars are expected to begin shortly, providing a technological edge to the Indian Air Force in maintaining its aerial sovereignty.
