New Delhi: In a major stride toward self-reliant defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹2,000 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the supply of state-of-the-art Air Defence Fire Control Radars to the Indian Army.
Strengthening Indigenous Defence Tech
The deal was finalised under the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ category, promoting systems that are indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured. Signed in New Delhi, the agreement was exchanged in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and senior officials from both MoD and BEL.
With over 70% indigenous content, the radars promise cutting-edge detection capabilities against a range of airborne threats, including enemy fighter jets, attack helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles. These advanced systems will significantly boost the operational efficiency of India’s Air Defence Regiments.
Boost to MSMEs and National Defence Industry
Beyond operational gains, the procurement aims to energise India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem by involving domestic Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the supply of components and raw materials. This initiative supports economic growth and strengthens the national industrial base in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
The move not only modernises critical defence infrastructure but also reaffirms the government’s long-term commitment to indigenous production and reduced dependency on foreign suppliers.
About Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
Established in 1954 and headquartered in Bengaluru, Bharat Electronics Limited is a Navratna Defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence. BEL specialises in the manufacture of advanced electronic products for the Indian Armed Forces. The company has been a key player in India’s strategic electronics domain and continues to lead innovation across radar, communications, naval systems, and electronic warfare technologies.
