As part of efforts to enhance its defense industry’s self-reliance, India signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the acquisition of 18 Ashwini Low-Level Transportable Radars (LLTR). This order, valued at $330 million, marks a step in equipping the Indian Air Force (IAF) with domestically developed surveillance capabilities in response to China’s expanding aerial monitoring systems. The contract was finalized on March 12, 2025, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), these radars represent a first for the IAF, providing an advanced detection solution for aerial threats, including fighter jets, helicopters, missiles, and slow-moving drones.
The Ashwini radar is based on state-of-the-art active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology with solid-state transmitter-receiver modules. It provides efficient aerial surveillance through its distributed architecture, high reliability, and capability to function in complex electronic warfare environments. Mounted on a vehicle, it can be rapidly deployed in rugged terrain or border areas, aligning with the operational requirements of the IAF. This system offers 360-degree horizontal coverage in rotation mode and 40-degree vertical coverage, ensuring precise detection of threats at altitudes ranging from 30 meters to 15 km. It operates with a rotation speed of 7.5 or 15 revolutions per minute and features a staring mode with a surveillance coverage of ±60° in azimuth and 40° in elevation.
With a detection range of up to 200 km, the radar can identify targets with a radar cross-section (RCS) of 2 square meters at distances of up to 150 km. Its adaptable architecture and advanced software algorithms allow it to function as an early warning sensor for airbases, enhancing the IAF’s operational preparedness. The system is fully programmable via a local operator workstation, providing an intuitive interface for real-time operations. After completing user trials, it has been approved for integration into the IAF’s arsenal.