Indian Army Launches Fast-Track Procurement for 30 Advanced Air Defence Radars
The Indian government has formally commenced the acquisition process for thirty state-of-the-art Low-Level Light-Weight Radars (LLLRs) to significantly enhance the Indian Army's air defence network. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was officially issued on Friday, marking a critical step in this strategic military upgrade.
Fast-Track Procurement Process Underway
According to an Army source speaking to PTI, these advanced radar systems will be procured through a specially designated "fast-track procurement process." This accelerated approach is designed to expedite the acquisition and deployment of these vital defence assets. The RFP, which has been uploaded to the Indian Army's official website, outlines the defence ministry's clear intention to procure thirty LLLR (Improved) units and two Classroom Variants (CRVs) under the 'Buy (Indian)' category.
The total estimated value of this procurement is approximately Rs 725 crore, as confirmed by the source. The 'Buy (Indian)' categorization emphasizes the government's focus on sourcing this critical technology from domestic manufacturers, thereby boosting indigenous defence production capabilities.
Technical Specifications and Operational Requirements
The RFP document provides detailed technical specifications for the radar systems. The LLLR (I) is envisaged as a sophisticated surveillance system tasked with scanning designated airspace and detecting, as well as tracking, aerial targets. A key requirement is its ability to identify targets with a very low radar cross-section (RCS), which is crucial for modern threat perception involving stealth technology and small drones.
The vendor selected for this project will have a mandatory obligation to ensure the seamless integration of the new LLLR (I) systems with the existing Air Defence Control and Reporting (AD C&R) System. This integration is vital for creating a unified and responsive national air defence grid.
Vendor Eligibility and Selection Criteria
The defence ministry has specified that responses to the RFP are invited exclusively from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or their officially authorized vendors. The document includes a clear preference clause: if multiple entities propose the same equipment, priority will be given to the OEM itself. This stipulation aims to ensure direct accountability and technical support from the primary manufacturer.
The Indian Army is explicitly designated as the end-user for this equipment. The operational mandate for the radar's search function is to provide continuous, three-dimensional surveillance of both friendly and hostile aerial targets within its assigned area of responsibility.
Performance and Capability Benchmarks
The required radar system must demonstrate a robust detection capability, being able to identify all types of aerial targets at distances of up to 50 kilometers. Furthermore, it must feature wide elevation beam coverage to ensure comprehensive sky monitoring. These performance benchmarks are set to address contemporary and emerging aerial threats, thereby fortifying India's border security and national defence infrastructure.
This procurement initiative represents a significant investment in modernizing the Indian Army's surveillance and early-warning capabilities, aligning with broader goals of enhancing military readiness through indigenous technological solutions.
