Army to strengthen anti-drone, EW capability with Rs. 1,476 crore deal
AI Analysis
The Indian Army has contracted Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for five mobile electronic warfare (EW) systems at a cost of Rs. 1,476 crore. These systems provide a 'soft kill' capability against drones, communications, and radar networks, and feature 72% indigenous content. Deployment will focus on the western and northern borders, enhancing tactical flexibility.
Key Takeaways
- Contract value: Rs. 1,476 crore.
- Vendor: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
- Systems: Five mobile, ground-based EW systems.
- Capability: Detect, intercept, and disrupt enemy UAVs, communications, and radar (soft kill).
- Indigenous Content: Minimum 72% under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.
- Deployment: Western and Northern borders with field formations.
- EW systems will disrupt drone control links and satellite navigation.
Why It Matters
This procurement addresses the growing threat of drones and loitering munitions, providing a cost-effective counter-UAS capability. The mobile nature of these systems allows for dynamic deployment in both offensive and defensive scenarios, bolstering the Indian Army’s electromagnetic warfare capabilities and situational awareness. The emphasis on indigenous content supports the ‘Make in India’ initiative and reduces reliance on foreign suppliers.
Army to strengthen anti-drone, EW capability with Rs. 1,476 crore deal
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Army to strengthen anti-drone, EW capability with Rs. 1,476 crore deal
The systems are geared to detect, intercept and disrupt enemy communications, radar networks and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), providing what is termed a “soft kill” capability.
According to the statement by the ministry, the contract, signed under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category in the presence of defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, will have at least 72% indigenous content.(Photo | Special Arrangement)
Updated on:
05 May 2026, 12:38 pm
1 min read
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NEW DELHI: The defence ministry on Tuesday inked a Rs. 1,476 crore contract with state-run Bharat Electronics Limited for five ground-based mobile electronic warfare (EW) systems to bolster the Indian Army’s capabilities in the electromagnetic domain.
According to the statement by the ministry, the contract, signed under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category in the presence of defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, will have at least 72% indigenous content.
The systems are geared to detect, intercept and disrupt enemy communications, radar networks and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), providing what is termed a “soft kill” capability.
Sources said the systems will be deployed with field formations along the western and northern borders. Unlike static EW setups, these mobile platforms can move with troops and operate within the tactical battle area, giving commanders the flexibility to employ them in both offensive and defensive roles as situations evolve.
The acquisition assumes added significance amid the growing threat from drones and loitering munitions. By jamming control links or interfering with satellite navigation, the systems can force hostile drones to lose guidance or abort missions, offering a faster and more cost-effective option than kinetic interception.
They will also help degrade enemy surveillance and air defence networks by disrupting radar and communication links. While not a substitute for kinetic suppression of enemy air defences by aircraft and specialised missiles, these mobile EW systems will add to providing a critical supporting layer by reducing adversary situational awareness and enhancing survivability of friendly forces.
With contemporary warfare increasingly driven by control of the electromagnetic spectrum, such systems are now core enablers, capable of disrupting adversaries and shaping the battlefield before the first shot is fired.
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