India, March 12 -- The defence ministry on Wednesday signed a Rs.2,906-crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to equip the Indian Air Force with the locally made 'Ashwini' low-level transportable radar to detect and track aerial targets, in a boost for the country's self-reliance drive.

"The radar is capable of tracking aerial targets, ranging from high-speed fighter aircraft to slow moving targets such as unmanned aerial vehicles and helicopters. Its acquisition will significantly enhance the operational preparedness of the IAF," the ministry said.

The radar has been indigenously designed and developed by Bengaluru-based Electronics and Radar Development Establishment, a unit of the Defence Research and Development Organi...