In a push toward strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence has signed a Rs 29.06 billion capital acquisition contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad, for the procurement of the Low-level Transportable Radar (LLTR) 'Ashwini'. Developed by the Electronics & Radar Development Establishment of DRDO, the radar represents a significant leap in domestic defence technology.

The Ashwini radar is an active electronically scanned phased array system based on advanced solid-state technology. It can track a wide range of aerial targets, from high-speed fighter jets to slow-moving drones and helicopters, enhancing the Indian Air Force's operational readiness.

This contract marks a crucial step toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing, reducing dependence on foreign equipment and fostering the development of India’s defence industrial ecosystem. The agreement was signed in New Delhi on March 12, 2025, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh.

(PIB)