L&T, BEL to jointly develop radar for Army

Engineering major Larsen and Toubro (L&T) and public sector defence undertaking Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) have joined hands to develop a radar for the Army.

L&T and BEL are to build a radar prototype based on a concept design by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 24 months before it is put on trial by the Army.

This is the first time the private sector has been involved in a major defence R&D programme.

"The brief is to build a prototype of the radar from scratch in 18 to 24 months for evaluation by the army," L&T sources said here.

DRDO's prime radar development agency, Bangalore-based Electronics and Radar Development Establishment will provide concept design of the radar.

BEL, which has strength in electronic warfare and radar systems will build electronics equipment for the project while L&T will provide mechanical parts and integrate the radar. A tripartite agreement was signed recently by the three players, sources said.

The role of the radar and its range is yet to be ascertained, while development costs are being pegged around Rs 100 crore.

L&T has emerged as one of India's largest private players in defence and aerospace, building engines for rockets, missile launchers, weapon systems and sensors among others.