MoD Signs ₹2,000 Cr Deal with BEL for Indigenous Air Defence Fire Control Radars

In a major boost to India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a landmark contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) on July 25, 2025, for the procurement of state-of-the-art Air Defence Fire Control Radars (ADFCRs) for the Indian Army. The contract, worth approximately ₹2,000 crore, falls under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, marking a strategic leap in indigenous military capability.

The agreement was formalised in New Delhi, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, with senior officials from the Ministry and BEL exchanging the contract documents in a ceremonial setting.

Strengthening India's Tactical Edge in Air Defence

The newly procured Air Defence Fire Control Radars are designed to detect and track a wide range of aerial threats with precision, including:

• Fighter aircraft

• Attack helicopters

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)/Drones

• Loitering munitions

These radars will significantly bolster the surveillance and fire control capabilities of the Air Defence Regiments of the Indian Army. Their deployment is expected to drastically enhance battlefield awareness, improve target acquisition timelines, and provide real-time data for weapon engagement—an indispensable asset in today’s high-speed combat environments.

High Indigenous Content: Atmanirbhar Bharat in Action

One of the most striking features of the deal is its emphasis on domestic manufacturing. The radars boast at least 70% indigenous content, fulfilling the twin objectives of:

1. Modernising the Armed Forces with cutting-edge, locally made technologies

2. Empowering the Indian defence industry ecosystem, especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

Under the scope of this contract, numerous MSMEs and Indian vendors will be involved in component manufacturing, sub-system assembly, and raw material supply, creating an extensive value chain across the country. The deal is a textbook case of the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, which seek to reduce dependency on foreign defence imports while stimulating domestic innovation and employment.

Bharat Electronics Limited: The Strategic Partner

As India’s leading state-owned defence electronics company, BEL continues to play a crucial role in delivering indigenous solutions across the spectrum of command, control, communication, and radar systems. With its proven track record, BEL is expected to:

• Ensure on-time delivery and deployment of the radar systems

• Provide maintenance, training, and lifecycle support to the Army

• Lead future upgrades and adaptations as per evolving combat requirements

BEL’s collaboration with R&D institutions like DRDO and various private sector partners ensures that the radars are built on technologically agile platforms, ready to adapt to the changing dynamics of aerial warfare.

Strategic and Economic Implications

The procurement serves both strategic and economic purposes. Strategically, it fills a long-standing gap in India’s ground-based air defence surveillance and fire control architecture. Economically, it injects significant capital into the domestic industrial ecosystem, generating employment opportunities and advancing technical skill development.

In an era where asymmetric threats such as drone swarms and precision airstrikes are becoming increasingly common, having an advanced radar network that can detect, classify, and support neutralization is mission critical for any army aiming to maintain territorial integrity and airspace sovereignty.

Official Statement and Vision

While addressing the gathering at the contract signing, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said:

“This contract is a vital step in our commitment to indigenisation. These new radar systems will not only enhance operational readiness but also further our vision of achieving strategic autonomy in defence technologies.”

He further added that such contracts serve as “confidence boosters for Indian industries, especially MSMEs”, ensuring that defence growth is inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven.

Looking Ahead: Building a Future-Ready Force

The signing of this radar procurement contract is a signal of India's maturing defence procurement policy, where operational requirements are increasingly met through indigenous platforms backed by world-class engineering. The focus now shifts to timely production, efficient deployment, and seamless integration into existing defence architecture.

With the Indian Army expected to receive the first batch of these advanced radar systems within the next two years, this development also opens the doors for export potential, especially to friendly nations seeking cost-effective and high-performance air defence solutions.

India's march toward becoming a defence technology powerhouse has clearly picked up pace—and this deal is a compelling testament to that journey.