In a significant step towards strengthening India’s self-reliance in defense capabilities, the Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth ₹2,385 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru. This agreement marks the procurement and installation of state-of-the-art Electronic Warfare (EW) Suites and aircraft modification kits for the Mi-17 V5 helicopters of the Indian Air Force. The contract was formalized in New Delhi on April 7 in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh.
This initiative falls under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured) category, reinforcing the country’s commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. The advanced EW Suites will significantly improve the operational survivability of these helicopters in high-threat environments, equipping them with the critical capability to respond effectively to evolving security challenges.
More importantly, the project brings a wave of optimism for India’s defense manufacturing sector. A substantial portion of the components and sub-assemblies will be sourced from within the country, ensuring robust participation from Indian industries, including micro, small, and medium enterprises. This collaboration between the government and the domestic industry is not just a technical upgrade—it is a reaffirmation of the nation’s confidence in its own technological and industrial strength.
With this move, India continues to take confident strides toward reducing dependency on foreign defense imports. It reflects a broader aspiration: to empower homegrown innovation, bolster national security, and inspire pride in indigenous capabilities that protect and serve the country.
