Aligning with the goal of ‘Atmanirbharata’, the MoD signs a ₹23.85 billion deal with BEL to enhance the survivability of Mi-17 V5 helicopters with indigenously developed electronic warfare systems.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a ₹23.85 billion contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru, for the supply and installation of electronic warfare (EW) suites and aircraft modification kits on Mi-17 V5 helicopters.
The contract, signed on Monday, falls under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured) category and aims to strengthen the capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
The deal highlighted that most of the sub-assemblies and components for the EW Suite will be sourced from domestic manufacturers. These advanced systems are designed to significantly improve the operational survivability of the Mi-17 V5 helicopters in hostile environments.
The Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, designed and developed by CASDIC, DRDO, and manufactured by BEL, include key components such as the radar warning receiver (RWR), missile approach warning system (MAWS), and countermeasure dispensing system (CMDS).
These systems, developed by the Combat Aircraft Systems Development & Integration Centre (CASDIC) under DRDO, significantly enhance the combat survivability of helicopters by providing effective countermeasures.
According to MoD, this move is part of the government’s efforts to promote self-reliance in defence technology, aligning with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and Make-in-India initiatives.
By involving Indian MSMEs and manufacturers, the project will support the growth of the country’s defence manufacturing sector, encouraging active participation from the private industry.
