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Key Points

The Defence Ministry signed a Rs 2,000 crore deal with BEL for advanced air defence radars to detect threats like drones and fighter jets. These radars, with 70% indigenous content, will modernize the Army’s air defence capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s record defence production and exports, crediting private sector and MSMEs. The move aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing and operational readiness.

Key Points: India Signs Rs 2,000 Crore BEL Deal for Army Air Defence Radars

  • Rs 2,000 crore deal enhances Army's air defence against drones and aircraft
  • 70% indigenous content supports Make-in-India initiative
  • Contract boosts MSME participation in defence supply chain
  • India's defence exports surged to Rs 24,000 crore in 2024-25
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Govt inks Rs 2,000 crore deal with BEL to buy air defence radars for Army

Defence Ministry inks pact with BEL for indigenous air defence radars to counter aerial threats, boosting Army's modernization and Make-in-India push.

"Our defence production has crossed a record Rs 1.46 lakh crore, with exports hitting Rs 24,000 crore – Rajnath Singh"

New Delhi, July 25

The Ministry of Defence on Friday signed a contract with public sector defence company Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of Air Defence Fire Control Radars for the Indian Army, worth approximately Rs 2,000 crore, under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category.

With a minimum 70 per cent indigenous content, these Fire Control Radars will be able to detect all forms of airborne threats, including fighter aircraft, attack helicopters and enemy drones. This would mark a significant milestone in the modernisation of the Air Defence Regiments and enhance the Indian Army’s operational readiness, while contributing to the economic growth of the nation, according to a Defence Ministry statement.

The contract was signed and exchanged by senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and BEL in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

The procurement marks a pivotal step towards empowering indigenous defence industries by encouraging Indian MSMEs through components manufacturing and raw material supply, the statement said.

The government is keen to promote the country’s defence industry, and earlier this month Defence Acquisition Council, under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, gave the go-ahead for 10 proposals to purchase military hardware, including missiles and electronic warfare systems, worth approximately Rs 1.05 lakh crore through indigenous sourcing.

India’s indigenous defence production has surged to an all-time high of Rs 1.46 lakh crore, with exports increasing to a record Rs 24,000 crore in 2024-25, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

“Our defence production, which was only Rs 43,000 crore 10 to 11 years ago, has now crossed a record figure of Rs 1,46,000 crore, with the private sector’s contribution of over Rs 32,000 crore. Our defence exports, which were around Rs 600-700 crore 10 years ago, have surpassed a record figure of Rs 24,000 crore today,” the minister stated in his address at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) annual summit recently.

He described Make-in-India as crucial for security and prosperity, stating that the use of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor has proved that India has the power to penetrate any armour of the enemy.

“Our weapons, systems, sub-systems, components, and services are reaching around 100 countries. Over 16,000 MSMEs associated with the defence sector have become the backbone of the supply chain. These companies are not only strengthening our self-reliance journey, but are also providing employment to lakhs of people,” the minister said

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the Make in India initiative, I hope there's proper quality control. Defence equipment can't afford compromises. The article mentions MSME involvement - that's good for employment but we need to ensure standards aren't diluted.
R
Rohit P
₹2,000 crore deal is huge! But can someone explain how these radars are better than what China/Pakistan have? Our soldiers deserve the best tech to protect our borders. Also great to see defence exports growing - we should become arms exporters like Israel.
S
Sarah B
As an expat in India, I'm impressed by the defence manufacturing growth here. The numbers speak for themselves - from ₹43,000 crore to ₹1.46 lakh crore in a decade! This is exactly what India needs to reduce foreign dependence. Kudos to the scientists and engineers!
K
Karthik V
Good move but we need faster implementation. Chinese drone sightings at borders show our current systems have gaps. Hope these new radars get deployed quickly to sensitive areas. Jai Hind!
M
Meera T
The economic benefits are huge - 16,000 MSMEs involved means jobs across India. My cousin's small unit in Coimbatore makes components for BEL. This is how real development happens - boosting local industries while strengthening national security.
D
David E

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