Bengaluru: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has signed a major export purchase order agreement with Elbit Systems Electro-Optics ELOP Ltd for the production and supply of sub-assemblies of Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) systems.
The agreement was signed on September 16, 2026, in Bengaluru by Rajnish Sharma, Director (Bengaluru Complex), BEL, and Shai Cohen, Senior Vice President, Elbit Systems.
Senior officials from both organisations attended the signing ceremony, including Anoop Kumar Rai, Director (Marketing), BEL, and Bnaya Ziv, Head – DIRCM Systems, Elbit Systems.
BEL Signs Export Purchase Order with Elbit Systems
The agreement marks another step in BEL’s international defence business and its collaboration with global defence technology companies.
Under the agreement, BEL will undertake the production and supply of sub-assemblies for DIRCM systems to Elbit Systems Electro-Optics ELOP Ltd.
Key details of the agreement include:
- BEL: Bharat Electronics Limited
- Partner: Elbit Systems Electro-Optics ELOP Ltd
- Order type: Export purchase order
- Product: DIRCM system sub-assemblies
- Agreement date: September 16, 2026
- Place of signing: Bengaluru
- BEL signatory: Rajnish Sharma, Director (Bengaluru Complex)
- Elbit signatory: Shai Cohen, Senior Vice President, Elbit Systems
What is a DIRCM System?
Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) is a laser-based defensive system designed to protect aerial platforms from heat-seeking missiles, including shoulder-fired man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS).
The system is also commonly referred to as an IR jammer.
DIRCM systems are designed to provide protection to aircraft during different phases of flight, including:
- Take-off
- Cruising
- Landing
The technology works as a defensive countermeasure against infrared-guided threats targeting aircraft.
BEL Strengthens Global Defence Collaboration
The export agreement further strengthens BEL’s cooperation with Elbit Systems, a global defence technology company.
The order also contributes to India’s growing defence export activities and highlights BEL’s role in supplying defence equipment and components to international partners.
The collaboration is expected to support the production and supply of specialised defence technology for aerial platform protection.
Officials Present at the Signing
The agreement was signed in the presence of senior officials from BEL and Elbit Systems.
The key officials present included:
- Rajnish Sharma, Director (Bengaluru Complex), BEL
- Shai Cohen, Senior Vice President, Elbit Systems
- Anoop Kumar Rai, Director (Marketing), BEL
- Bnaya Ziv, Head – DIRCM Systems, Elbit Systems
About Bharat Electronics Limited
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is a Navratna public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Headquartered in Bengaluru, BEL designs, develops and manufactures a wide range of defence electronics and strategic systems for the Indian Armed Forces. The company also undertakes exports and collaborates with international defence technology companies.
