BHEL will manufacture fused silica radar domes using DRDO technology, boosting domestic defence electronics production and reducing dependence on critical imports.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has signed a technology transfer licence agreement with the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad, a leading Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) facility.
The agreement enables BHEL to manufacture fused silica radar domes using the cold isostatic pressing and sintering process. These domes serve as high-precision electronic enclosures for seeker-based missile guidance systems, protecting sensitive sensors while ensuring undistorted electromagnetic signal transmission.
This development marks a significant step in strengthening India’s domestic electronics manufacturing for defence. By localising production of radar domes, the move directly supports the nation’s goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing and aims to reduce reliance on imports for these high-frequency electronic components.
DMRL, known for its expertise in advanced ceramics and high-temperature alloys, has transferred the know-how to BHEL, ensuring that the manufacturing process adheres to global standards.
While BHEL has not disclosed commercial details or financial terms of the agreement, industry observers note that the partnership reflects a growing trend. Collaborations between public sector enterprises and DRDO laboratories are on the rise, aligning with India’s push to strengthen its defence industrial base through advanced electronics manufacturing.
For the electronics industry, the use of fused silica ceramics in radar domes highlights the increasing role of advanced materials in next-generation defence systems. The agreement signals a broader industrial shift, where public-sector electronics manufacturing is being directly boosted through strategic technology transfers, setting the stage for stronger indigenous capabilities in defence electronics.
