Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a ₹2,385.36 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for procurement and installation of indigenous Electronic Warfare (EW) suites and aircraft modification kits on Mi-17 V5 helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF). This contract falls under the ‘Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)’ category.
Key Highlights
Contract Value: ₹2,385.36 crore
Executing Agency: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a public sector defence enterprise
Target Platform: Mi-17 V5 Helicopters (Utility helicopters used by IAF)
Purpose: To enhance operational survivability and threat countering capabilities in hostile combat zones
About Electronic Warfare Suite
| Feature | Description |
| Core Function | Detect, intercept, deceive, disrupt or deny the enemy’s use of the electromagnetic spectrum |
| Survivability Boost | Enhances mission capability by countering radar and missile threats in hostile zones |
| Real-Time Detection | Capable of identifying multiple threats across frequencies and responding swiftly |
| Self-Protection | Increases survivability by improving situational awareness and enabling automatic response systems |
About Mi-17 V5 Helicopters
Role: Utility transport helicopter
Origin: Russian-made, extensively used by the Indian Air Force
Uses: Troop transport, search & rescue, fire support, and logistical operations
Need for Upgrade: These helicopters often operate in high-risk combat environments and require advanced self-protection systems for survivability
Indigenisation & ‘Make-in-India’ Push:
- The suite will be indigenously designed and developed, ensuring that the majority of its components and sub-assemblies are sourced from Indian manufacturers, including MSMEs.
- Strengthens India’s self-reliance in critical defence technologies, in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- Expected to boost the Indian electronics ecosystem and encourage wider industry participation in defence manufacturing.
Strategic Significance:
- This initiative marks a leap forward in India’s indigenous EW capabilities.
- It significantly enhances the mission readiness and combat survivability of India’s rotary-wing fleet.
- Reinforces India’s growing capability in Electronic Warfare systems, vital for modern battlefield operations.
- Encourages long-term supply chain development within the domestic defence industry, involving startups, MSMEs, and niche tech firms.