Synopsis
The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹2,906 crore contract with BEL for the LLTR radar, enhancing the Indian Air Force's operational readiness and promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing.Key Takeaways
- Contract worth ₹2,906 crore for LLTR radar.
- Indigenous development supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- Enhances Indian Air Force's operational capabilities.
- BEL's total orders for the year reach ₹16,630 crore.
- Significant profit growth reported for BEL.
New Delhi, March 12 (NationPress) In alignment with the government's initiative to bolster indigenous defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence finalized a contract worth ₹2,906 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the acquisition of the low-level transportable radar, LLTR (Ashwini).
The LLTR (Ashwini) is a sophisticated active electronically scanned phased array radar that utilizes cutting-edge solid state technology. It is adept at tracking a range of aerial targets, from high-velocity fighter jets to slower objects like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and helicopters. This procurement is set to substantially boost the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force, as stated by an official release.
Developed indigenously by the Electronics & Radar Development Establishment under DRDO, this radar aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. The contract signing took place in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
This initiative marks a pivotal step towards achieving self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing, diminishing reliance on foreign equipment manufacturers while fostering a robust defence industrial ecosystem within the nation, according to the official statement.
This latest order follows another contract awarded to BEL, valued at ₹577 crore last week, which included airborne electronic warfare products, advanced composite communication systems for submarines, doppler weather radar, train communication systems, radar upgrades, spare parts, and services.
Thus far, BEL's total orders for the current fiscal year have surged to an impressive ₹16,630 crore.
Earlier, on February 20, BEL entered into a contract worth ₹1,034 crore with the Ministry of Defence for the supply of Software Defined Radios (SDRs) and Data Communication Terminals (DCTs) for the Indian Coast Guard.
The advanced radios, developed collaboratively by DEAL (DRDO) and BEL, facilitate multi-band, multi-channel, and multi-role/mission operations to cater to the requirements of Network Centric Warfare. The DCT system guarantees precise, swift, secure, and reliable communication between shore stations and vessels, essential for critical missions.
BEL has reported a remarkable 47.3% increase in net profit for the third quarter ending December 2024, reaching ₹1,316.06 crore, compared to ₹893.30 crore in the same quarter of the preceding year.
During the third quarter, the Navratna defence public sector company's consolidated revenue from operations rose by 38.6% to ₹5,770.69 crore, up from ₹4,162.16 crore reported for the equivalent quarter of the prior fiscal year.
Profit before tax for the third quarter of 2023-24 stood at ₹1,754.15 crore, marking a year-on-year growth of 49.64%.
