Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a prominent player in the engineering and defense technology sectors in India, has unveiled TEER, an advanced Aerial Target System developed entirely in-house. This innovative system is aimed at enhancing weapons testing, operational training, and bolstering India’s defense readiness. It aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, which promote self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
TEER, which stands for Manoeuvrable Recoverable Aerial Target, is engineered to replicate sophisticated aerial threats with high precision. Its design incorporates high-speed and high-agility features, making it an effective platform for air defense weapon engagement exercises. The system is equipped with a suite of onboard payloads, including radar augmentation, infrared and smoke flares, and an Acoustic Miss Distance Indicator. These features facilitate realistic and mission-relevant training scenarios. TEER is launched using a modular catapult system, which ensures both efficient deployment and mobility, adhering to the evolving logistics requirements of modern warfare.
In addition to the current offering, L&T is developing a next-generation variant known as TEER NG. This High-Speed Low-Flying Aerial Target (HSLFAT) aims to enhance payload capabilities and provide complex threat emulation, which is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of next-generation air defense systems. This initiative is part of a broader movement towards strengthening India’s indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities, which, according to a recent CENJOWS report, has already created nearly 80,000 jobs and is drawing increased investment from the private sector.
The launch of the TEER system is supported by a policy framework that fosters domestic innovation. The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) and the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) have established a robust ecosystem for companies like L&T to thrive. Furthermore, the establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu is intended to serve as innovation and manufacturing hubs, further facilitating the growth of the defense sector. L&T has emphasized its commitment to ethical production, clarifying that its defense offerings do not include explosives, ammunition, or systems related to cluster munitions, landmines, or nuclear weapons.
This unveiling comes as part of a broader modernization drive within the Indian military. The Army is conducting field trials of advanced systems under near-combat conditions, including integrated electronic warfare simulations. Simultaneously, the Indian Air Force is investigating new airborne surveillance platforms, such as the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail, to enhance its Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) capabilities. This trend underscores the increasing necessity for advanced defense technologies like TEER.
With the introduction of TEER, L&T not only strengthens India’s military preparedness but also reinforces the role of indigenous industry in securing the country’s future. As defense modernization accelerates, technologies like TEER are set to become vital enablers of both tactical efficiency and strategic autonomy in India’s defense landscape.
