Defence · GS3
Mountain radars for the Indian Air Force
One line
The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹1,950 crore contract with BEL for two indigenously designed mountain radars and associated infrastructure for the Indian Air Force.
Summary
Mountain terrain creates radar gaps through masking, altitude variation, and difficult logistics. Indigenous systems can improve air-surveillance resilience and reduce dependence on foreign equipment, but deployment still needs networks, trained operators, maintenance, and secure communications.
PYQ pattern
UPSC defence questions often test technology, institutional roles, and procurement categories. Use the official UPSC archive and revise the difference between detection, tracking, guidance, and interception.
Core notes
- A radar transmits electromagnetic energy and analyses reflected signals to detect and track objects.
- Mountain radars are designed for terrain and surveillance needs that differ from flat-land coverage.
- The system was designed by DRDO's Electronics and Radar Development Establishment and is to be manufactured by BEL.
- The procurement was under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category. Procurement classification is not identical to operational induction.
Prelims lens
- Radar uses electromagnetic waves. It is not an optical camera.
- DRDO designs and develops defence systems; BEL is a public sector defence electronics manufacturer.
- A procurement contract is a contractual commitment, not proof that the equipment is already deployed everywhere.
MCQ 1
Consider the following statements:
- Radars use electromagnetic waves to detect or track objects.
- A radar procurement contract itself proves universal operational deployment.
- A. 1 only
- B. 2 only
- C. Both 1 and 2
- D. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answerHide answer
A
Radar works through electromagnetic signals. A contract is a step toward supply and induction, not proof of universal deployment.
MCQ 2
The mountain radar contract involved:
- DRDO's Electronics and Radar Development Establishment in design and development.
- Bharat Electronics Limited in manufacture.
- A. 1 only
- B. 2 only
- C. Both 1 and 2
- D. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answerHide answer
C
PIB identified both institutions in the procurement release.
Mains
Question, 10 marks, 150 words: How does indigenous radar development support India's air-defence preparedness and strategic autonomy?
Approach:
- Explain radar's role in detection and tracking, especially in mountains.
- Link domestic design and production with availability, customisation, and maintenance.
- Discuss terrain, electronic warfare, cyber security, supply chains, and network integration.
- Recommend testing, layered systems, industry standards, and lifecycle support.