BEL Secures ₹2,906 Crore Contract to Supply LTTR Ashwini Radars to IAF

In a significant move to bolster India's indigenous defense capabilities, the Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹2,906 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad, for the procurement of Low-Level Transportable Radars (LLTR) named 'Ashwini'. The contract was formalized in New Delhi on March 12, 2025, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

The Ashwini radar is an active electronically scanned array radar, developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This state-of-the-art radar operates on solid-state technology and is capable of tracking a wide range of aerial targets—from high-speed fighter jets to slow-moving objects like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters. Its integration into the Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to significantly enhance operational preparedness.

This procurement aligns with the government's vision of achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing, reducing dependence on foreign equipment, and fostering the growth of the domestic defense industrial ecosystem.

In related developments, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, recently visited various BEL facilities. During his visit, he was briefed on advanced defense and weapon systems developed by the company, including the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) and Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LRSAM) projects for the Indian Navy. Admiral Tripathi lauded BEL's adherence to advanced standards such as Process Capability Model, Automation Quality 4.0, and Industry 4.0, acknowledging the company's pivotal role in India's defense sector and its commitment to developing cutting-edge technology.