Indian Navy, Coast Guard To Get 11 Airport Surveillance Radars As Defence Ministry Signs Contract With Mahindra

The Ministry of Defence on Thursday (3 June) signed a Rs 323 crore contract to procure 11 Airport Surveillance Radars for Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard.

The contract was signed with Mumbai-based Mahindra Telephonics Integrated Systems Limited for procurement of 11 Airport Surveillance Radars with Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar.

"The procurement, at a cost of Rs 323.47 crore, will be made under the ‘Buy & Make’ category," the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

‘Buy & Make’ category refers to an initial procurement of equipment in Fully Formed (FF) state from a foreign vendor, in quantities as considered necessary, followed by indigenous production through an Indian Production Agency (PA), in a phased manner involving Transfer of Technology (ToT) of critical technologies as per specified range, depth and scope, to the production agency.

The installation of these radars will increase the air domain awareness around airfields and enhance safety and efficiency in flying operations of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, the ministry said.

According to the ministry, the signing of this contract is an achievement of the government towards ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ and the objectives envisaged in the programme.

This would enable absorption of technology, skill development and indigenous manufacture, boosting employment opportunities, it added.