The Ministry of Defence has finalized a deal with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Hyderabad for the acquisition of five ground-based Mobile Electronic Systems valued at Rs 1,476 crore for the Indian Army. This contract, falling under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, was formalized in the presence of Defence Secretary Kumar Singh at Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi.
BEL specializes in producing advanced ground-based mobile electronic systems for the Indian Army, with a focus on Electronic Warfare (EW), surveillance, and secure tactical communication. The procurement of these systems is aimed at modernizing Indian Army units and enhancing the indigenous defense manufacturing ecosystem of the country.
The ground-based mobile electronic systems are vehicle-mounted platforms equipped for electronic intelligence operations, enabling real-time detection, analysis, location, and monitoring of enemy radar and electronic emissions. These systems typically feature high-sensitivity receivers, 360-degree coverage, and 3D mapping for swift battlefield situational awareness and surveillance.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the government’s prioritization of defense research, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) having transferred 2,200 technologies to various industries. Speaking at the North Tech Symposium, he stressed the need for sustained research focus and the cultivation of surprise elements to ensure preparedness in the era of rapid technological advancements.
Singh highlighted that a significant portion of the Defence R&D budget has been allocated to industry, academia, and start-ups, with these entities having utilized over Rs 4,500 crore of the budget. The government’s self-reliance initiatives have shown positive outcomes, with domestic defense production reaching a record high of Rs 1.54 lakh crore in the Financial Year 2025-26, and defense exports hitting an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore.
