IAF to get radar for tracking aerial targets
As part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen indigenous defence capabilities of the country, Ministry of Defence has inked a capital acquisition contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad, for the procurement of Low-level Transportable Radar, LLTR (Ashwini) at a cost of Rs.2,906 crore.
The radar is indigenously designed and developed by Electronics & Radar Development Establishment, DRDO, the Ministry said on 12 Mar on signing the contract https://www.makeinindia.com/home/.
LLTR (Ashwini) 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 fighter aircraft to slow moving targets such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and helicopters. Its acquisition will significantly enhance the operational preparedness of the Indian Air Force.
The programme is a major step towards achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing by reducing dependency on Foreign Origin Equipment Manufacturers besides acting as a catalyst for the development of defence industrial ecosystem in the country https://www.state.gov/.
Separately, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has successfully conducted test-launch of homegrown ASTRA, Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from LCA AF MK1 prototype fighter aircraft. The test launch was carried out on 12 Ma off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha.
The test-firing successfully demonstrated the direct hit of the missile on flying target. All the subsystems performed accurately meeting all mission parameters and objectives. ASTRA missile is designed and developed by DRDO capable of engaging the targets over 100km and equipped with advanced guidance and navigation capabilities allows missile to destroy targets with greater accuracy. The missile is already inducted into the Indian Air Force.
The successful test-firing is a significant milestone towards the induction of LCA AF MK1A variant. The success is the result of hard work by the integrated team of Scientists, Engineers and Technicians from ADA, DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) along with support from CEMILAC, DG-AQA, IAF & Test range team. Further trials are planned towards the performance evaluation.
Meanwhile, induction ceremony of ninth Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 23 (Yard 133) was held on 12 Mar 25 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. Chief Guest for Induction Ceremony was Cmde Manish Vig, GM (QA), ND (Mbi).
The contract for construction and delivery of eleven ACTCM Barges was concluded with MSME shipyard Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane, on 5 Mar 2021.
Eight ACTCM Barges have already been delivered and the shipyard has also been awarded a contract for construction and delivery of four Sullage Barges to the Indian Navy thereby highlighting the Indian Navy’s commitment towards encouraging MSMEs.
The Shipyard has indigenously designed these Barges in collaboration with an Indian Ship Designing firm and subsequently model tested at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, successfully to ensure seaworthiness. These barges are built in accordance with the relevant Naval Rules and Regulations of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). These Barges are proud flag bearers of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives of Government of India.
Induction of these Barges would provide impetus to operational commitments of Indian Navy by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles/ ammunition to Indian Navy platforms both alongside jetties and at outer harbours, said the Ministry. Fiinews.com
