
India vs China aerial warfare: How IAF plans to challenge the 5,000 km Chinese radar with Rs 2,906 crore mobile radar
Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), marks a significant shift towards self-reliance in defence technology.
These LLTRs, designed and developed by the Electronics & Radar Development Establishment of DRDO, will be the first indigenous radar systems of their kind for the IAF, replacing previously imported equipment. The system is expected to strengthen India’s ability to track aerial threats, ranging from high-speed fighter jets to slow-moving drones and helicopters.
A Leap Towards Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, present at the contract signing, highlighted the strategic importance of this acquisition. An MoD official stated, “The Ashwini LLTR is an active electronically scanned phased array radar based on state-of-the-art solid-state technology. The radar is capable of tracking aerial targets from high-speed fighters to slow-moving targets such as UAVs or drones and helicopters.”
The move aligns with India's broader goal of reducing dependency on foreign defence manufacturers. The acquisition of these radars will not only bolster operational preparedness but also serve as a catalyst for the development of India’s defence-industrial ecosystem.
China’s Expanding Radar Network: A Growing Threat?
China has been aggressively expanding its radar capabilities, posing a direct challenge to India’s strategic defence planning. According to a recent report by the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI), the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has deployed large phased-array radars (LPARs) across the country, including a newly reported system in Yunnan province near the Myanmar border. This radar, with a range exceeding 5,000 km, can monitor deep into Indian territory and track missile tests.