Defence Ministry signs ₹770-crore contract with BEL for low-level radars

Union Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. File | Photo Credit: The Hindu The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday (October 21, 2026) signed a contract worth approximately ₹770 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar (LLLR-I), to strengthen the Army’s air defence capabilities against aerial threats, including drones.According to the Ministry, the contract was signed in New Delhi on October 21 in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.The LLLR-I system can detect and track fighter-sized targets as well as mini and micro drones. It can also prioritise aerial targets, enabling the Army to respond more effectively to the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), the Ministry said.The procurement is part of the government’s push to indigenise air defence platforms and strengthen domestic defence manufacturing. It is also expected to support the wider defence industrial ecosystem, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).The Ministry said the procurement aligned with the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and would contribute to building a resilient, self-reliant and globally competitive defence industry. Published - October 21, 2026 07:58 pm IST