IAF to get indigenous mountain radars in Rs 1,950 cr deal

In a significant boost to India’s air defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹1,950 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of two advanced mountain radars for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

According to an official statement, the deal includes not just the radars but also associated equipment and the necessary infrastructure for their deployment in challenging high-altitude terrains. These radars are expected to enhance surveillance and detection capabilities in mountainous regions, which are often difficult to monitor due to terrain limitations.

The ministry highlighted that the installation and commissioning of these systems will significantly strengthen India’s national security framework by improving real-time tracking and early warning capabilities against potential aerial threats.

Notably, the mountain radars have been indigenously designed and developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Their production by BEL marks another step forward in India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Officials also underscored that this procurement will reduce dependence on foreign-origin defence equipment, aligning with the government’s broader “Make in India” initiative in the strategic sector.

The deal reflects India’s continued focus on modernising its defence infrastructure, particularly in sensitive border areas where enhanced radar coverage is crucial.