MoD inks Rs 2,000-crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited for Army air defence network

Keeping up a robust air defence posture in the aftermath of the Operation Sindoor, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) today inked a Rs 2,000-crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of specialised ‘fire control radars’ (FCR) for the Army.

With 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, and subsequently direct a weapon to fire at the threat.

A fire control radar looks at specific target to generate precise data for a "fire control solution" – essentially, where to aim and when to fire to achieve a hit.

The primary purpose of the FCR is to provide highly accurate real-time data on a target's position, speed and direction. These details are crucial for hitting a fast moving aerial threat.

The MoD said the new radars would mark a significant milestone in the modernisation of the air defence regiments and enhance the Army’s operational readiness.

The Army uses multiple air defence systems like the Akash missile and newer version called the Akash prime has been tested for launching a missile in high altitude areas. These missiles are part of the multi-layered air defence network that showed its prowess during Operation Sindoor (May 7-10).

The radars will be indigenously designed developed and manufactured. The contract was inked and exchanged by senior officials of MoD and BEL in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi today, the MoD said.