The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on March 23, 2023 has signed two separate contracts with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), at a total cost of over Rs 3,700 Crores to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF). These projects will enhance the surveillance, detection, tracking & Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities of Indian Air Force. Both projects are under Buy {Indian – IDMM (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)} category.
The first contract, worth over Rs 2,841 Crores, under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, pertains to the supply of Medium Power Radars (MPR) ‘Arudhra’ for the Indian Air Force.
About MPR ‘Arudhra’
The radar has been indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will be manufactured by BEL. Its successful trials have already been conducted by the IAF. It is a 4D multi-function phased array radar with electronic steering in both azimuth and elevation for surveillance, detection and tracking of aerial targets. The system will have target identification based on interrogations from co-located Identification Friend or Foe system.
The second contract, at an overall cost of 947 Crores, under the Buy-Indian (IDDM) Category relates to 129 DR-118 Radar Warning Receivers (RWR).
About DR-118 RWR
The DR-118 Radar Warning Receiver will considerably enhance the Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities of Su-30 MKI aircraft. Majority of sub-assemblies and parts will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers. The project will boost and encourage active participation of Indian Electronics and associated industries, including MSMEs.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1910065
