MillenniumPost
Air Force Day Special

Bharat Electronics Limited: Empowering India's armed forces

In 1948, the Government of India had announced a comprehensive industrial policy. The task of establishing a radar and electronics factory was deputed to the Ministry of Defence. Emanating from this authority, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), was established in Bengaluru in 1954, with the help of CSF, France. From a humble beginning, BEL has traversed a long way. It is now a Navratna PSU and India's foremost defence electronics company.

BEL is a multi-product, multi-technology, multi-unit conglomerate, boasting of over 350 products in the areas of Radars, Missile Systems, Military Communications, Naval Systems, Electronic Warfare & Avionics, C4I Systems, Electro Optics, Tank Electronics & Gun/Weapon System Upgrades, Solar Photovoltaic Systems, Electronic Components and civilian products. With its expertise, that has been sharpened and developed over the years, the company also provides turnkey systems solutions. While defence continues to contribute to nearly 85 per cent of its revenue, BEL has touched a chord with the common man through civilian products like solar traffic signals and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). BEL's customers include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Paramilitary, Coast Guard, Police, Doordarshan, All India Radio, Department of Telecommunications and consumers of professional electronic components.
Research & Development has been one of BEL's core strengths, helping it maintain its pre-eminence in defence electronics. BEL also provides after-sales support whenever and wherever required, irrespective of time or terrain. For instance, its support to the defence forces during the Kargil operation was well recognised and appreciated.
Highlights of 2016-17
BEL has ended the year 2016-17, by registering a turnover of Rs 8,825 crores (audited), a growth of 17 per cent over the previous year's turnover of Rs 7,541 crores.
During the year 2016-17, the Company received several orders. Significant among these orders include the Long Range Surface to Air Missile with MFSTAR, Advanced Composite Communication System for P17, Electronic Voting Machine, L-Band Static Tropo Upgrade, Electronic Warfare Suite (Shakti & Nayan) among others. BEL achieved export sales of US $65 Million during FY 2016-17 with an export order book of US $82 Million till April 1, 2017.
Business Initiatives
New business initiatives taken up by the Company include an Advanced Night Vision Products factory at Nimmaluru, Andhra Pradesh, to expand the Night Vision Devices business, strategic alliances with defence labs, OFB and global OEMs for emerging businesses, dedicated business groups to address Homeland Security and Smart City Business, thrust on exports and offsets and plans to diversify business in both defence and non-defence sectors.
Outlook for the Future
BEL will continue indigenisation efforts supporting the Government's 'Make in India' initiative. Radars, Missile Systems, Communication & Network Centric Systems, Tank Electronics, Gun Upgrades, Electro-Optic Systems and Electronic Warfare & Avionics Systems are expected to drive BEL's growth. The Company is now pursuing concentrated business opportunities in Solar Energy, Homeland Security, Smart Cities, Smart Cards and Telecom. BEL is also implementing researched strategies and action plans in place to face the emerging competition while maintaining technological edge and retaining leadership position in strategic electronics.

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