India Boosts Army Air Defense with ₹2,000 Crore BEL Contract for Advanced Radars

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In a significant move to bolster India’s indigenous defense capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday, July 25, 2025, finalized a contract worth approximately ₹2,000 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). This crucial agreement, signed under the “Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured)” category, is for the procurement of specialized Air Defence Fire Control Radars (ADFCRs) for the Indian Army, marking a substantial step in modernizing the nation’s air defense network.

The contract underscores India’s strategic push for “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) in defense manufacturing. These new Fire Control Radars are engineered to detect and track a comprehensive range of airborne threats, including advanced fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, and hostile drones. Their primary function is to provide highly accurate, real-time data on a target’s position, speed, and direction, which is essential for effectively directing air defense weapons to achieve a precise hit.

The ADFCRs will significantly enhance the operational readiness of the Indian Army’s Air Defence Regiments. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that these systems will feature a minimum of 70 percent indigenous content, highlighting the emphasis on domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. This aligns with the broader national objective of strengthening India’s defense industrial base.

The indigenously designed and developed radars by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be manufactured by BEL, a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Defence. This collaboration not only supports technological advancements within India but also stimulates economic growth by involving a network of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the supply chain for components and raw materials.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has consistently emphasized the importance of indigenous defense production, noting a significant increase in both production and exports in recent years. This contract for the Army’s air defense network, particularly following recent military operations where indigenous systems proved crucial, further solidifies India’s commitment to equipping its armed forces with cutting-edge, domestically produced technology. The induction of these advanced radars is expected to provide the Indian Army with a critical advantage in an evolving aerial threat landscape.