Why in News?
After Operation Sindoor, during which Pakistan breached Indian airspace using drone swarms, the Indian Army plans to strengthen northern and western border surveillance by procuring advanced radars (LLLR-E, ADFCR-DD) integrated into the Akashteer air defence network.
Description:
Key Upgrades Planned:
| System | Features | Purpose/Capability |
| LLLR-I (Low Level Light Weight Radar – Improved) | 3D AESA radar, Commander Display Unit, Target Designation System, integral power supply | Detect aerial targets (even low RCS) within 50 km, track >100 targets simultaneously across mountains, deserts, coasts |
| LLLR-E (Low Level Light Weight Radar – Enhanced) | Similar to LLLR-I + Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS) + Passive RF detection | Detect low-RCS drones, including swarms; day/night tracking; transmit data to weapon systems within 10 km |
| ADFCR-DD (Air Defence Fire Control Radar – Drone Detector) | Search radar, track radar, fire control, IFF system; vehicle-mounted | Control L/70 guns or successors; feed data to VSHORADS; process target info from multiple radars and electro-optical systems; compute firing solutions |
Integration:
- All new systems will integrate with Akashteer air defence network.
- Enables real-time detection, tracking, targeting of small drones.
- Complements existing air defence guns like L/70, ZU 28, Schilka, enhancing effectiveness against drones.
Why Needed:
- Pakistan used drones heavily during Operation Sindoor.
- Existing systems worked well but modern fire control radars increase precision and rapid response.
- Goal: Neutralise even the smallest drones and coordinate between multiple defence assets.
key concepts:
- Low RCS (Radar Cross Section): Measure of how detectable an object is by radar. Smaller drones → lower RCS → harder to detect.
- AESA Radar: Electronically scanned radar; faster tracking, can track multiple targets simultaneously.
- Electro-Optical Tracking: Uses visual/infrared sensors; works day/night, complements radar.
- VSHORADS: Very Short Range Air Defence Systems; shoulder-fired or small vehicle-mounted air defence.
- IFF (Identification Friend or Foe): Determines whether detected aircraft are hostile or friendly.
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