Bharani (2D Low Level Light Weight Radar, LLLR Mk-I) is a lightweight, man-portable/vehicle-transportable 2D surveillance radar developed by DRDO for detecting low-flying aerial threats — helicopters, UAVs, and low-altitude fixed-wing aircraft — in terrain such as mountains, deserts and forward battlefield areas where larger radars cannot easily be deployed.[1]
Bharani is designed for rapid deployment by small teams in rugged or high-altitude terrain, providing gap-filling low-level air surveillance coverage for army field formations and forward air-defence units. Its light weight and compact footprint distinguish it from larger 3D surveillance radars such as Rohini or Arudhra, trading some capability for portability and quick setup/breakdown in operationally sensitive forward areas, including high-altitude Himalayan deployments.[1]
Bharani sits alongside the 3D Ashlesha Mk-I/Mk-II Low Level Light Weight Radars in DRDO’s family of compact, low-level battlefield surveillance radars, with Bharani providing the lighter 2D option and Ashlesha providing full 3D (height-finding) capability at a higher weight/complexity cost.[2]
| Type | 2D Low Level Light Weight Radar (LLLR) |
| Developer | DRDO (LRDE), production via BEL/industry partners |
| Role | Low-altitude air surveillance in rugged/forward terrain |
| Deployment | Man-portable / light vehicle-transportable |
| Primary users | Indian Army forward air-defence and surveillance units |
| Related systems | Ashlesha Mk-I/Mk-II (3D LLLR family) |