New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has secured a ₹1,476 crore contract from the Ministry of Defence for the supply of Ground-Based Mobile Electronic Systems (GBMES) to the Indian Army.
The agreement was signed at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Major Push for Indigenous Defence Technology
The procurement has been executed under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, with a minimum indigenous content of 72 percent.
The move aligns with the Government of India’s focus on:
- Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence
- Reducing import dependency
- Strengthening domestic defence manufacturing
- Enhancing indigenous technological capabilities
BEL stated that the contract value is approximately ₹1,251 crore excluding taxes.
Read also: BEL Wins ₹1,251 Crore Defence Contract to Supply Indigenous ELINT Systems to Indian Army
GBMES to Strengthen Electronic Warfare Capabilities
The advanced Ground-Based Mobile Electronic Systems (GBMES) are designed to significantly improve the Indian Army’s electronic warfare and surveillance capabilities.
According to officials, the systems can:
- Detect enemy radar signals
- Classify and track hostile systems
- Locate radar positions
- Intercept communication signals
- Analyse battlefield electronic activity
These capabilities are expected to improve situational awareness and strengthen India’s air defence preparedness during modern combat operations.
Developed by DLRL Hyderabad
BEL said the GBMES has been designed and developed by the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), Hyderabad, making it a fully indigenous and advanced electronic warfare solution.
The company described the system as a critical advancement in:
- Network-centric warfare
- Tactical battlefield intelligence
- Real-time electronic surveillance
The deployment of these systems is expected to modernise Indian Army operations and improve defence readiness.
Boost to India’s Defence Ecosystem
The contract is being viewed as another major step toward strengthening India’s domestic defence production ecosystem.
Industry experts believe such indigenous defence projects will:
- Support local manufacturing
- Create high-tech employment opportunities
- Encourage defence innovation
- Enhance strategic self-reliance
The project also reinforces India’s long-term goal of becoming a global defence manufacturing hub.
BEL Strengthens Position in Defence Electronics Sector
With this latest contract, BEL continues to strengthen its position as one of India’s leading defence electronics companies.
The company has been playing a key role in developing advanced military systems for the armed forces across areas such as radar, communication, electronic warfare, missile systems, and surveillance technologies.
About BEL
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The company specializes in defence electronics, radar systems, communication equipment, electronic warfare solutions, and strategic defence technologies, supporting India’s armed forces and indigenous defence manufacturing initiatives.
