The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a ₹1,950 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited for the procurement of two Mountain Radar systems for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The deal was signed in New Delhi under the ‘Buy (Indian–IDDM)’ (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, promoting indigenous defence production.
Objective of the Deal
The contract aims to strengthen India’s air defence and surveillance capabilities, especially in mountainous regions. These radars will enhance early warning systems and improve monitoring of aerial threats in difficult terrains.
Indigenous Technology & Manufacturing
The Mountain Radars are indigenously designed and developed by DRDO and will be manufactured by BEL. This reflects India’s growing capability in defence electronics and reduces dependence on foreign imports.
Strategic Significance
The deal aligns with key government initiatives such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, aimed at boosting domestic defence manufacturing and achieving strategic autonomy. It will also support the domestic defence industry and generate employment.
Additional Facts
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is a Navratna Defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence
Founded: 1954
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Chairman & Managing Director: Manoj Jain
BEL specializes in:
Radars
Communication systems
Electronic warfare systems
DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) develops indigenous defence technologies
Buy (Indian-IDDM) is the highest priority category in defence procurement policy
India is focusing on indigenisation of defence equipment to reduce import dependency
Similar past deals include radar systems like “Ashwini” Low-Level Transportable Radar for the IAF
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