Indian Army To Procure 30 Low-Level Radars To Strengthen Aerial Surveillance Against Drone Attacks

Last Updated:February 06, 2026, 19:39 IST

The 3D AESA radar, designed to be man-portable and deployable in under 10 minutes, can detect targets up to 50 km and simultaneously track more than 100 targets.

The Indian Army is set to acquire 30 Low-Level Light-Weight Radars (Improved) to strengthen low-altitude air surveillance against drones and other aerial threats, further enhancing its operational capabilities.

The 3D AESA radar, designed to be man-portable and deployable in under 10 minutes, will be integrated with the ‘Akashteer’ air defence network to transmit real-time target data to multiple command posts and weapon systems, and can detect targets up to 50 km, including very low-RCS objects. They are envisaged to scan the air space, detect, track and prioritise targets (including very low RCS).

These radars fall under the Buy (Indian) category with over 60% indigenous content mandated. The government will also acquire two Class Room Variants (CRVs) of these radars for training.

The first batch of 15 radars and one CRV is expected to be delivered within 12 months, while the next batch could be delivered within 18 months.

Key Features Of These Radars

The Low Level Light Weight Radar (Improved) is envisaged as a man-portable, 3D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar based on digital beam forming technology. Key operational features include 360-degree surveillance and wide elevation coverage, detection up to 50 km, and simultaneous tracking of more than 100 targets.

The radar is designed to operate across diverse terrains, including high-altitude areas (up to 5,000 metres), mountains, deserts, plains, and coastal regions, with a deployment time of less than 10 minutes.

Bidding Process

The procurement mandates a minimum indigenous content of 60%, in line with the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. Only Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or their authorised vendors are eligible to participate in the bidding process.

The evaluation process will involve technical scrutiny by the Technical Evaluation Committee, field demonstrations and trials on a ‘No Cost, No Commitment’ basis and opening of commercial bids only for technically compliant systems.

Bidders must submit an Earnest Money Deposit of Rs 2 crore and sign a Pre-Contract Integrity Pact. Once inducted, the Low Level Light Weight Radar (Improved) systems are expected to significantly boost the Indian Army’s layered air defence architecture, enhancing its ability to counter emerging low-altitude aerial threats.

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