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New Delhi: In a major stride towards defence indigenisation, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a significant ₹2,000 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of Air Defence Fire Control Radars (ADFCR) for the Indian Army. The deal falls under the ‘Buy (Indian–IDDM)’ category, reinforcing the government’s commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The agreement was formally signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, along with senior officials from both MoD and BEL. The project is expected to bolster India’s self-reliance in critical defence technologies and support the Army’s efforts in strengthening its air defence capabilities.
Cutting-Edge Technology with Indigenous Backbone
The ADFCRs developed by BEL come with minimum 70% indigenous content, a benchmark in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. These radars are designed to detect and track a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including:
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Fighter jets
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Attack helicopters
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Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
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Low-flying drones
The systems will play a vital role in modernising the Air Defence Regiments of the Indian Army, enhancing tactical situational awareness, and improving response capabilities against potential threats in real-time.
According to officials, the radars incorporate advanced tracking algorithms, multi-target acquisition features, and are capable of functioning effectively across diverse terrains and weather conditions. The integration of such systems marks a critical move towards building a multi-layered air defence shield for Indian forces.
Boosting Indian Defence Ecosystem & MSME Participation
This contract also represents a strategic economic investment, providing an impetus to India’s domestic defence production landscape. A significant portion of the supply chain for this project will involve Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in areas such as:
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Component manufacturing
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Sub-system integration
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Raw material supply
The ripple effect of this project is expected to generate employment, drive technological innovation, and enhance the capabilities of Tier-II and Tier-III defence vendors across the country.
“The contract is not only about radars—it is about laying a stronger foundation for India’s defence industrial base. We are building systems for our soldiers while empowering our industries,” a senior MoD official commented.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Action
Under the leadership of the Ministry of Defence and through policy reforms like the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, the Indian government has been actively promoting self-reliance in defence production. The latest BEL contract aligns with broader efforts such as:
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Increasing domestic procurement in defence to 75%
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Promoting ‘Make in India’ technologies for critical platforms
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Enhancing Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) collaboration with private players
BEL’s successful development of indigenous radar technology is emblematic of how India is moving from a defence importer to a technology-led exporter, with advanced systems being developed, manufactured, and deployed at scale within the country.
Strategic and Operational Impact
The newly procured ADFCRs will be deployed across strategically important regions, including border zones and critical infrastructure hubs. Their real-time data processing and multi-target tracking will significantly improve the Army’s ability to respond swiftly to evolving threats, particularly in hybrid and drone warfare scenarios that are rapidly changing the nature of battlefield engagements.
This acquisition also enhances India’s ability to create an independent sensor-to-shooter loop, reducing reliance on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and strengthening national security.
Looking Ahead
With this ₹2,000 crore contract, the MoD has not only taken a crucial step toward modernising India’s military infrastructure but has also set a precedent for future indigenous procurements. BEL continues to play a pivotal role in developing next-generation electronic warfare and radar systems, keeping India’s armed forces equipped for tomorrow’s challenges.
This collaboration stands as a testament to what Aatmanirbhar Bharat represents—a self-reliant India, prepared to secure its borders with world-class indigenous defence technologies.
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