The ministry of defence has signed a Rs 770 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to procure Improved Low Level Light Weight Radars (LLLR-I) for the Indian Army, strengthening its ability to detect and track fighter-sized aircraft and small unmanned aerial systems.According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release, the contract was signed in New Delhi on October 21 in the presence of defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The radar system can detect and track fighter-sized targets as well as mini and micro drones, with an additional capability to prioritise aerial targets, the ministry said.The procurement comes amid the growing importance of drones and other low-level aerial threats on modern battlefields.Unmanned aerial systems are increasingly used for surveillance, reconnaissance and attacks, presenting challenges for conventional air defence because of their small size and varied flight profiles.The LLLR-I’s ability to detect, track and prioritise aerial targets could help the Army improve its situational awareness and respond more effectively to emerging threats.The contract also supports India’s push to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing, with the ministry highlighting the potential benefits for the country’s defence industry, including micro, small and medium enterprises.
