Defence Ministry’s contracts with BEL for radars & receivers will boost participation of MSMEs, startups

The Defence Ministry has signed two contracts worth over Rs 3,700 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for radars and receivers to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force. The project will enhance participation of associated industries including MSMEs and startups as well.

The IAF has said the project will boost and encourage active participation of Indian electronics and associated industries, including MSMEs. It is also expected to generate employment of approximately two lakh man-days over a period of three and half years.

Startups Are Already Working in Defence Sector

Speaking to TICE News, Satyabrata Satapathy, Co-Founder and Director, BONV Technology, said, “Definitely today Drones are used in various RADAR testing. We were approached by ARDE, a DRDO LAB and BEL to carry out drone-based RADR testing.”

Bonv Drone Innovation which can carry 50kgs of payload can carry RADAR during various outdoor testing and can save millions to these agencies, Satya said highlighting that how these projects will bring opportunities for startups working in these sectors.

BonV is a startup that develops carbon free aerial logistics and mobility. It provides aerospace technology advancements to promote electric aircrafts.

Defence Ministry’s both projects are under 'Buy Indian-IDMM (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)' category. The projects are aimed at enhancing surveillance, detection, tracking and electronic warfare capabilities of the air force.

The Defence Ministry said the first contract worth over Rs 2,800 crore pertains to the supply of Medium Power Radars (MPR) 'Arudhra' for the IAF, and the second, at an overall cost of around Rs 950 crore, relates to 129 DR-118 Radar Warning Receivers (RWR).

"These essentially embody the spirit of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and will help facilitate the realisation of the country's journey to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing," the Indian Air Force (IAF) said in a statement.

MPR (Arudhra) radar has been indigenously designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will be manufactured by BEL. Its successful trials have already been conducted by the IAF.

It is a 4D multi-function phased array radar with electronic steering in both azimuth and elevation for surveillance, detection and tracking of aerial targets. The system will have target identification based on interrogations from co-located identification friend or foe system.

The DR-118 RWR will considerably enhance the electronic warfare capabilities of the Su-30 MKI aircraft. Majority of sub-assemblies and parts will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers, the statement said.