New Delhi: In a significant push towards indigenous defence manufacturing, the mountain radars programme has received a major boost as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a capital acquisition contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) worth approximately ₹1,950 crore.
The agreement for the procurement of mountain radars, along with associated equipment and infrastructure for the Indian Air Force (IAF), was formalised in New Delhi on March 31, 2026, in the presence of senior officials from both MoD and BEL.
The contract falls under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category, reinforcing India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives.
Mountain Radars Procurement: Strengthening India’s Domestic Defence Production Ecosystem
The Mountain Radars being acquired are indigenously designed and developed by the Electronics & Radar Development Establishment, a key arm of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will be responsible for the manufacturing of these advanced systems, ensuring the integration of indigenous technology into critical defence infrastructure.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the deployment of Mountain Radars is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s surveillance and air defence capabilities, particularly in challenging terrains.
The installation and commissioning of these systems will provide a strategic advantage by improving situational awareness and response mechanisms.
Furthermore, the acquisition of Mountain Radars is aligned with India’s broader objective of reducing dependence on foreign defence equipment.
By prioritising domestically developed systems, the government aims to bolster national security while simultaneously promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
This Mountain Radars contract underscores the growing role of indigenous research and manufacturing entities such as DRDO and BEL in shaping India’s defence preparedness.
It also highlights the government’s continued focus on strengthening critical defence infrastructure through locally developed technologies.
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