SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Manoj Jain, the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has shed light on the anticipated defense collaboration with Russia involving a long-range early warning radar system. Speaking recently, Jain confirmed that the deal is structured at the government-to-government (G2G) level, emphasizing that while the broad framework is in place, the specific role of BEL in the project is yet to be crystallized and will be determined by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The deal, which has been making headlines, is speculated to be worth around $4 billion. A significant aspect of this agreement includes a commitment to local manufacturing, with at least 60% of the radar system expected to be produced in India. This aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, aiming to bolster domestic defense capabilities while fostering technology transfers and reducing reliance on foreign systems.
Jain pointed out the complexity of the deal, highlighting that despite the substantial investment, the project’s progression hinges on the MoD’s directives. The introduction of this radar system could significantly enhance India’s strategic defense posture, given its capability to detect threats from vast distances, potentially up to 6,000 kilometers, as is characteristic of similar Russian systems like the Voronezh radar.
Interestingly, this development comes at a time when India’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is simultaneously working on an indigenous project, the Long Range Radar (VLRR), under the IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured) category. This parallel track raises questions about the strategic direction India might take, balancing between foreign acquisition and domestic innovation.
The confirmation from Jain not only validates the existence of negotiations but also underscores the strategic importance of the partnership with Russia in the realm of defence technology. As discussions continue, the exact nature of BEL’s involvement, whether in manufacturing, technology integration, or support services, remains to be seen. This deal, if fully realized, would mark another chapter in the long-standing defence cooperation between India and Russia, potentially impacting India’s defence architecture for decades to come.
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