In another significant leap towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, the Ministry of Defence has signed two major contracts with the Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) worth over Rs 3700 crore to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The first contract pertains to the supply of Medium Power Radars (MPR) ‘Arudhra’ for the IAF while the second, at an overall cost of approximately Rs 950 crore, relates to 129 DR-118 Radar Warning Receivers (RWR).

The DR-118 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) will considerably enhance the Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities of Su-30 MKI aircraft.

Both projects, under Buy {Indian – IDMM (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)} category, will enhance surveillance, detection, tracking and electronic warfare capabilities of the air force.

They also 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 Medium Power Radar Arudhra has been indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will be manufactured by BEL. Its successful trials have already been conducted by the IAF.

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

The majority of sub-assemblies and parts will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers. The project will boost and encourage active participation of Indian electronics and associated industries, including MSMEs. It will also generate employment of over two lakh man-days over a period of three and half years.