The Indian Army is rushing to procure new radars to modernize its air defense and respond quickly to the increasing threat from drones and other aerial intrusions, especially after recent airspace breaches during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
Why is Army Rushing To Procure New Radars?
Context: Operation Sindoor and New Threats
During Operation Sindoor, swarms of drones from Pakistan—some camouflaged for surveillance, others for attack—managed to breach Indian airspace in large numbers, exposing vulnerabilities in the current air defense network along the northern and western borders. These drones have small radar cross-sections (RCS), making them difficult to detect and track with aging legacy systems.
Why Current Radars Are Inadequate
Traditional radars struggle to spot, track, and prioritize small, low-flying aerial objects like modern drones, especially in cluttered or complex airspace. Many of the Army’s radars are aging and lack the accuracy and speed needed to counter such new-generation threats.
Details of the New Radar Procurement
To address these limitations, the Army has issued procurement requests for:
- Up to 45 Low Level Light Weight Radars (Enhanced)
- Up to 48 Air Defence Fire Control Radar-Drone Detectors (ADFCR-DD)
- 10 Low Level Light Weight Radars (Improved)
These advanced radars are capable of detecting, tracking, and targeting even the smallest and fastest-moving drones. Some feature 3D AESA technology, passive radio-frequency detection, and the ability to integrate with command and control systems for real-time battlefield information and faster threat response.
Goals and Integrated Defense
The new systems will be plugged into the Army’s Akashteer air defense network, enhancing overall situational awareness and supporting battlefield commanders with rapid, accurate target identification and engagement. This integrated approach is crucial for handling swarms of drones and other complex, modern aerial threats.
Strategic and Indigenous Focus
A significant portion of these radars—such as ADFCR—will be supplied by Indian companies, promoting indigenous manufacturing and technological self-reliance. This modernization also reflects global trends as militaries worldwide upgrade radars for improved detection, tracking, and response capabilities against evolving aerial threats.
Conclusion
The Army’s urgency in procuring new radars is driven by operational lessons from recent drone incursions, the rapid evolution in aerial warfare, and the strategic imperative to bolster defenses along sensitive borders. Advanced radar systems are now central to ensuring India’s airspace is well-guarded against contemporary and future threats.
