BEL Secures ₹2,385 Crore Contract for IAF Helicopter Electronic Warfare Systems
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Ministry of Defence has entered into a ₹2,385.36 crore agreement with Bharat Electronics Limited for the procurement and installation of Electronic Warfare Suites on Mi-17 V5 helicopters for the Indian Air Force, marking a significant advancement in indigenous defence capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Contract Value: ₹2,385.36 crore
- Focus on Indigenous Manufacturing: Most components sourced locally
- Enhancing Operational Survivability: Improved capabilities for Mi-17 V5 helicopters
- Support for MSMEs: Boosting local electronics industries
- Recent Growth: 16% turnover increase in FY 2024-25
New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) The Ministry of Defence has finalized a contract worth ₹2,385.36 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited for the procurement of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suites, aircraft modification kits, and their installation on Mi-17 V5 helicopters for the Indian Air Force, as per an official announcement made on Monday.
This advanced EW Suite is expected to significantly improve the operational survivability of the helicopters in challenging environments. Most components will be sourced from local manufacturers, promoting the involvement of Indian electronics and related industries, including MSMEs.
The agreement, categorized under the "Buy Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured" initiative, was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The Mi-17 V5 suite represents a major advancement in the development of indigenous EW capabilities, aligning with the nation’s goal of becoming Aatmanirbhar under the Make-in-India program, according to the official statement.
This contract follows BEL’s recent deal worth ₹593.22 crore with the Indian Air Force for the maintenance of the Akash Missile System, marking a strong start to the financial year 2025-26.
BEL had previously supplied the Akash Missile System to the IAF, for which it has secured the maintenance contract.
Additionally, the company has concluded discussions with clients for orders totaling ₹5,000 crore, as stated by BEL.
In the financial year 2024-25, BEL reported a turnover of approximately ₹23,000 crore, up from ₹19,820 crore in the previous year, achieving a growth rate of 16 percent. This includes export sales of about $106 million for FY 2024-25, compared to last year’s export turnover of $92.98 million, reflecting a growth of 14 percent.
During the fiscal year 2024-25, BEL secured orders worth ₹18,715 crore. Notable orders include BMP II Upgrade, Ashwini Radar, Software Defined Radios, Data link, Multi-Function Radars, EON 51, Seekers, Anti Drone System, Airport Surveillance Radar, Sonar Upgradation, Flycatcher spares, Radar upgradation, and various projects in the non-defence sector. By April 1, 2025, BEL's total order book stands at approximately ₹71,650 crore, including an export order book worth $359 million.
BEL has reported a remarkable 47.3 percent increase in its net profit for the third quarter ending December 2024, reaching ₹1,316.06 crore, compared to ₹893.30 crore in the same quarter of the previous year.
