By A Correspondent

New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s low-altitude air defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has initiated the procurement of 30 Low-Level Light-Weight Radars (LLLWR–Improved) for the Indian Army to counter emerging aerial threats such as drones, UAVs and low-flying helicopters along sensitive border areas.

The radars, which fall under the Buy (Indian) category, will significantly strengthen the Army’s layered air defence network and plug critical surveillance gaps at low to medium altitudes.

The MoD has invited proposals from Indian vendors, marking the second stage of the acquisition process under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.

With a mandated minimum 60% indigenous content, the programme aligns with the government’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.

Plugging Critical Air Defence Gaps

The Low-Level Light-Weight Radar (Improved) is envisaged as a man-portable, compact 3D surveillance radar designed to operate in challenging terrains such as mountains, high-altitude areas, deserts, plains and coastal regions.

These radars are intended to complement larger long-range systems by filling blind spots, especially in hilly and mountainous regions where radar coverage is often constrained.

Equipped with 3D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) modules, the radar can detect and track aerial targets up to a range of 50 km, including very low radar cross-section (RCS) objects such as small drones.

The system offers 360-degree surveillance, wide elevation coverage and the ability to simultaneously track over 100 targets.

Rapid Deployment and Network-Centric Operations

One of the key operational advantages of the LLLWR (Improved) is its rapid deployability.

Designed to be man-portable, the radar can be deployed in under 10 minutes and transported by personnel, vehicles or helicopters to remote forward locations.

Crucially, the radar will be integrated with the Indian Army’s ‘Akashteer’ air defence command-and-control network, enabling real-time transmission of target data to a minimum of 10 command posts or 10 weapon systems over distances of up to 20 km.

This capability allows a single radar to cue multiple commanders and air defence units, enabling faster and more coordinated responses to aerial intrusions.

Advanced Target Prioritisation

The MoD has specified that the radar must be capable of displaying attributes of at least four priority targets simultaneously and automatically prioritising threats based on parameters such as target speed, location and direction.

This ensures optimal sequencing of counter-attacks against the most dangerous threats first.

The system is also required to operate using Indian satellite systems as well as the US Global Positioning System (GPS), enhancing navigation accuracy and interoperability during joint operations.

Procurement Timeline and Training Support

As part of the procurement plan, the government will also acquire two Classroom Variants (CRVs) of the radar system to support training and familiarisation.

The first batch of 15 radars and one CRV is expected to be delivered within 12 months of contract signing, while the remaining 15 radars and one CRV are likely to be delivered within 18 months.

Competitive Bidding Process

Only Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or their authorised vendors are eligible to participate in the bidding.

The evaluation process will include technical scrutiny, field demonstrations and trials on a No Cost, No Commitment basis, followed by the opening of commercial bids for technically compliant systems.

Bidders are required to submit an Earnest Money Deposit of Rs 2 crore and sign a Pre-Contract Integrity Pact.

Strategic Significance

Once inducted, the Low-Level Light-Weight Radar (Improved) systems are expected to play a critical role in enhancing the Indian Army’s ability to counter low-altitude aerial threats, particularly in the context of the growing use of drones for surveillance and offensive missions along India’s borders.

The induction will significantly strengthen India’s layered air defence architecture, improving early warning, target tracking and engagement capabilities in future conflicts.

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