To improve the surveillance, detection, tracking, and electronic warfare capabilities of the Indian Air Force, the Ministry of Defence signed two separate contracts with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) on March 23, 2023, for a total cost of over Rs 3,700 crore, to improve the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
The first contract, worth over Rs 2,800 crore, is for the supply of Medium Power Radars (MPR) ‘Arudhra’ to the Indian Air Force. The second contract, worth approximately Rs 950 crore, covers 129 DR-118 Radar Warning Receivers (RWR). Both projects fall under the Buy Indian – IDMM (Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured) category. These essentially embody the spirit of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and will aid in the realization of the country’s journey to self-sufficiency.
Medium Power Radar (Arudhra)
The radar is designed and developed in-house by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will be manufactured by BEL. The Indian Air Force has already conducted successful trials. It is a four-dimensional multi-function phased array radar with electronic steering in both azimuth and elevation for aerial surveillance, detection, and tracking. Target identification will be based on interrogations from a co-located Identification Friend or Foe system. The project will serve as a catalyst for the industrial ecosystem’s development of manufacturing capability.
DR-118 Radar Warning Receiver
The DR-118 Radar Warning Receiver will significantly improve the Su-30 MKI aircraft’s Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities. The majority of sub-assemblies and parts will be sourced from domestic suppliers. The project will promote and encourage the active participation of Indian electronics and related industries, including MSMEs. Over a three-and-a-half-year period, it will generate approximately two lakh man-days of employment. The DR-118 RWR represents a significant step forward in developing indigenous EW capabilities and transforming the country into an ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in terms of defence.
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