In a boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the defence ministry signed two separate contracts with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the cost of both contracts is over Rs 3,700 crore.

"The first contract, worth over Rs 2,800 crore, pertains to the supply of Medium Power Radars (MPR) ‘Arudhra’ for the Indian Air Force. The second contract, at an overall cost of approx. Rs 950 crore, relates to 129 DR-118 Radar Warning Receivers (RWR)," the ministry said in a press release.

Notably, both these projects are under Buy {Indian – IDMM (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)} category. "These essentially embody the spirit of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and will help facilitate the realisation of the country’s journey to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing," the release added.

Notably, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed and designed the 'Arudhra' radar indigenously.  It will be manufactured by BEL and its trials have already been conducted by the Indian Air Force successfully.

"It is a 4D multi-function phased array radar with electronic steering in both azimuth and elevation for surveillance, detection and tracking of aerial targets. The system will have target identification based on interrogations from co-located Identification Friend or Foe system." the release stated.

The project will act as a catalyst for the development of manufacturing capability in the industrial ecosystem.

Meanwhile, the DR-118 Radar Warning Receiver will considerably enhance the Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities of Su-30 MKI aircraft. The majority of sub-assemblies and parts will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers.

According to the ministry, "The project will boost and encourage active participation of Indian Electronics and associated industries, including MSMEs. It will generate employment of approx. two lakh man-days over a period of three and half years."

Image courtesy: PIB