Supporting Aatmanirbharta, the Ministry of Defence has inked a ₹12.2 billion deal with BEL for 149 advanced radios to boost the Indian Coast Guard’s capabilities.
The Union Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) from Bengaluru to supply 149 Software Defined Radios for the Indian Coast Guard, valued at almost ₹12.2 billion.
The agreement was finalised on Thursday under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, as per the Ministry’s statement.
These cutting-edge radios have been designed to provide secure, high-speed data and voice communication, enhancing information exchange, coordination, and situational awareness.
They will further strengthen the Indian Coast Guard’s ability to carry out its essential duties, including enforcing maritime laws, conducting search and rescue operations, protecting fisheries, and preserving the marine environment. Additionally, the radios will improve interoperability for joint missions with the Indian Navy.
The Ministry highlighted that this project is a strategic move to boost the operational capabilities of the Coast Guard and further the Government of India’s Blue Economy objectives by enhancing maritime security.
Moreover, the contract supports the country’s self-reliance goals, which aims to develop the country’s advanced military communication technology, generate employment, and promote skill development.
This deal follows another contract of ₹6.42 billion that was recently signed between MoD and BEL on February 8, 2025. The agreement was for the procurement of 28 EON-51 electro-optical fire control systems for the Indian Navy’s 11 offshore patrol vessels and three cadet training ships.
The system aids in target detection and classification using electro-optical and thermal imagers. This project, too, will support employment generation and promote participation from Indian industries, contributing to the Government’s Aatmanirbharta in defence, according to MoD.
