Ministry of Defence Signs ₹1220.12 Crore Deal with BEL for Advanced Communication Systems
New Delhi, February 20, 2025 – In a major step towards enhancing maritime security, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru, for the procurement of 149 state-of-the-art Software Defined Radios (SDRs) for the Indian Coast Guard. The deal, valued at ₹1220.12 crore, falls under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, reinforcing the government’s push for indigenous defense manufacturing.
Strengthening the Indian Coast Guard’s Capabilities
The newly acquired SDRs will play a crucial role in modernizing the communication systems of the Indian Coast Guard. These cutting-edge radios are designed to provide secure, high-speed data transmission and encrypted voice communication, ensuring seamless information exchange during critical maritime operations.
With enhanced situational awareness and improved collaboration capabilities, the radios will strengthen the Coast Guard’s core responsibilities, including:
- Maritime law enforcement
- Search and rescue operations
- Fisheries protection
- Marine environment preservation
Additionally, the SDRs will improve interoperability with the Indian Navy, allowing for more effective joint operations in national and international waters.
Boosting Maritime Security and the Blue Economy
The acquisition of these advanced radios is a strategic move to bolster India’s maritime security, aligning with the Government of India’s Blue Economy objectives. By enhancing surveillance and communication efficiency, the Indian Coast Guard will be better equipped to safeguard the nation’s vast coastline and maritime interests.
A Push for Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
This contract aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, further strengthening India’s self-reliance in defense technology. The deal with BEL, a premier public sector defense electronics company, will not only enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities but also create employment opportunities and foster expertise in high-tech military-grade communication systems.
By investing in indigenous defense technology, India continues to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers while advancing towards a robust and self-sufficient defense infrastructure.
Conclusion
The procurement of 149 SDRs marks a significant milestone in India’s defense modernization journey. With enhanced communication systems, the Indian Coast Guard is set to improve its operational efficiency, ensuring better security and control over the country’s maritime domain. This move reflects the government’s long-term vision of strengthening national defense while promoting indigenous innovation in critical defense technologies.
