Bharat Electronics Limited: Empowering India’s armed forces

Guided by a farsighted vision to make the country self-reliant in Defence electronics, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) was set up in Bangalore in 1954 by the Government of India under the Ministry of Defence (MoD). From a humble beginning, BEL has come a long way. It is now a Navratna PSU and India’s foremost Defence electronics company.

BEL is a multi-product, multi-technology, multi-Unit conglomerate boasting of over 350 products in the areas of Radars, Missile Systems, Military Communications, Naval Systems, Electronic Warfare & Avionics, C4I Systems, Electro Optics, Tank Electronics & Gun/Weapon System Upgrades, Solar Photovoltaic Systems, Electronic Components and civilian products. The gamut of products includes small components costing a few rupees to huge systems costing crores of rupees. With its expertise developed over the years, the company also provides turnkey systems solutions.

While Defence continues to contribute to nearly 80 to 85% of its revenue, BEL has touched a chord with the common man through civilian products like solar traffic signals and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). BEL’s reliable and tamper-proof EVMs have redefined voting in India, facilitating free and fair elections. BEL’s customers include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Paramilitary, Coast Guard, Police, Doordarshan, All India Radio, Department of Telecommunications and consumers of professional electronic components.

Research & Development has been one of BEL’s core strengths, helping it maintain it’s pre-eminence in Defence electronics. The Company has been spending about 8% of its turnover on R&D. BEL has extensive infrastructure — its manufacturing network is spread over 9 Units located across the country. BEL provides after sales support whenever and wherever required, irrespective of time or terrain. For instance, its support to the Defence forces during the Kargil operation was well appreciated.

Highlights of 2016-17

BEL has ended the year 2016-17 by registering a turnover of Rs.8,800 crores (provisional), a growth of 17% over the previous year’s turnover of Rs. 7,522 crores.

Some of the significant orders executed during the year include Akash Weapon System, HHTI with LRF, 3D Tactical Control Radar, Weapon Locating Radar, Fire Control Systems, Integrated Air Command & Control System, Radio Relay Frequency (LB), L 70 Gun Upgrade, Ship Borne EW System (Varuna), Low Level Transportable Radar and L70 Gun Upgrade.

Some of the new products / systems introduced during the year were Weapon Locating Radar, BFSR – XR, Hull Mounted Sonar NG, USHUS 2, ACCS for IAC, GBE SDN P 15B, Beacon Mk III, Ship Borne EW System (Varuna), Coastal Surveillance System for Maldives, Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail Mk 2 and Missile Two way Data Link.

During the year 2016-17, the Company received many orders. Significant among these orders include LRSAM with MFSTAR, ACCS for P17, Electronic Voting Machine, L Band Static Tropo Upgrade, EW Suite (Shakti & Nayan) and GBE SDN P17, Hand Held Thermal Imager, Low Intensity Conflict EW System, Home Land Security and ALG Communication.

Outlook For The Future

BEL will continue its indigenisation efforts in keeping with the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Radars, Missile Systems, Communication & Network Centric Systems, Tank Electronics, Gun Upgrades, Electro-Optic Systems and Electronic Warfare & Avionics Systems will drive BEL’s growth. The Company is pursuing business opportunities in Solar Energy, Homeland Security, Smart Cards and Telecom. Strategies and action plans in place to face competition, maintain technological edge and retain leadership position in strategic electronics.