LLLR-I radars: MoD signs ₹770-crore deal with BEL to counter drones
Why in the news
On 21 October 2026, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract of about ₹770 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to procure Improved Low Level Light Weight Radars (LLLR-I) for the Indian Army.
Key facts
- Value: approximately ₹770 crore.
- Supplier: Bharat Electronics Limited, a defence public sector undertaking.
- Equipment: LLLR-I, an air-defence radar for the Indian Army.
- Capability: detects and tracks fighter-sized targets as well as mini and micro drones, and can prioritise aerial threats.
- Purpose: to help the Army counter the threat from Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
- Signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Recent MoD contracts
| Date | Item | Firm | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Oct 2026 | LLLR-I radars (Army) | BEL | about ₹770 crore |
| 15 Oct 2026 | GSAT-7C satellite (IAF) | NSIL | ₹2,563 crore |
| 15 Oct 2026 | Varunastra torpedoes (Navy) | BDL | ₹1,543 crore |
About the deal
The ministry described the purchase as an important step towards indigenous air-defence platforms. It is expected to support the domestic defence manufacturing base, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), in line with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of a self-reliant defence industry.
Exam angle
- LLLR-I stands for Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar.
- Supplier: BEL; user: Indian Army; value about ₹770 crore.
- Main role: counter-drone (UAS) air defence.