The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed two contracts worth ₹1,917.47 crore for the procurement of, 149 Software-Defined Radios (SDR) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and 1,868 Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks (RTFLT) for the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy. These procurements will boost indigenous defence manufacturing and generate employment opportunities by encouraging the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
Key Highlights
- The deals fall under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), ensuring that the equipment is designed, developed, and manufactured in India.
- This initiative will strengthen national defence manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on imports.
About Software-Defined Radios (SDR)
- Contract Value: ₹1,220.12 crore.
- Manufacturer: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru.
- Purpose: SDRs will replace single-purpose radios with multi-band, multi-mode, and multi-role radios.
- Significance for Indian Coast Guard (ICG):
- Enables high-speed, secure communication.
- Enhances networking capabilities for seamless information exchange.
- Supports coordinated maritime operations and interoperability with the Indian Navy.
- Strengthens maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and fisheries protection.
- Aids in marine environment protection and Blue Economy objectives.
- Strategic Importance:
- Enhances situational awareness and network-centric operations.
- Enables secure voice communication and data exchange.
- Designed, developed, and manufactured indigenously, boosting India’s defence industry.
About Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks (RTFLT)
- Contract Value: ₹697.35 crore.
- Manufacturers: ACE Limited & JCB India Limited.
- Purpose:
- Enhances combat logistics for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Eliminates manual handling of large volumes of military supplies.
- Improves operational effectiveness of the three services.
- Features of RTFLTs:
- All-terrain capability – Operates on uneven and rugged surfaces.
- Large tyres & high ground clearance – Ensures smooth movement over difficult terrains.
- Powerful engines – Handles heavy loads efficiently.
- All-wheel drive – Provides traction on slippery surfaces and steep inclines.
- Durable construction – Ensures longevity in extreme environments.
Significance of the Defence Deal
- Boosts indigenous defence production, aligning with Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Enhances maritime security and military logistics efficiency.
- Strengthens Coast Guard capabilities in law enforcement, search and rescue, and environment protection.
- Improves combat readiness of the Indian Armed Forces through advanced material handling.
- This procurement marks another strategic step in modernizing India’s defence infrastructure while supporting self-reliance in military technology.