India’s Ministry of Defence has entered into a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to acquire Improved Low-Level Lightweight Radar (LLLR-I) systems, with the deal valued at approximately Rs7.7 billion. The procurement aims to enhance the Indian Army’s air defence capabilities, particularly in countering unmanned aerial threats.
The LLLR-I system is designed to detect and track a range of aerial targets, including fighter jet-sized objects as well as mini and micro drones. It also possesses the ability to prioritise these targets, enabling more effective responses to the growing challenge posed by Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs), according to the defence ministry.
The agreement was formalised in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. This acquisition forms part of a broader government strategy under the “Viksit Bharat @2047” initiative, which seeks to promote self-reliance and indigenisation in India’s defence sector. By focusing on domestic production of advanced air defence platforms, the move supports the development of the country’s Defence manufacturing ecosystem, including the participation of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
India’s defence manufacturing has undergone substantial growth in recent years. Official data indicate that military hardware production increased more than fourfold, reaching Rs1.78 trillion in the fiscal year 2025-26, compared to Rs47.46 billion in 2013-14. While public-sector enterprises remain dominant in production—accounting for 76 percent of the output—the private sector has contributed the remaining 24 percent.
Defence exports have also seen significant expansion, rising from Rs6.86 billion in 2013-14 to Rs384.24 billion in 2025-26. Indian-made military equipment is now supplied to over 80 countries worldwide. The government has set ambitious targets aiming for Rs3,000 billion in annual defence production and Rs500 billion in defence exports by 2029.
The procurement of the LLLR-I radar system reflects India’s ongoing efforts to modernise its armed forces and bolster indigenous defence capabilities amid evolving regional security challenges.