Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has emerged as a critical contributor to India's national security following the recent border conflict with Pakistan, with its indigenous defense systems playing a pivotal role during Operation Sindoor.
BEL's financial projections have been significantly boosted in light of the conflict with Pakistan. Manoj Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of BEL, indicated that the company expects to bag multiple orders from the recently-approved emergency procurement proposal for the Indian Armed Forces following Operation Sindoor.
"We expect a minimum of 8 to 10 or more different line items immediately," Jain said during an investor call with analysts. "It may be a bit early now, but in another week or so, we should have a clearer estimate of which projects will be assigned to Bharat Electronics."
The company projects approximately Rs 27,000 crore worth of additional orders this year. Jain noted that if it bags the QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile) project this year, then BEL could exceed Rs 50,000 crore in total orders for the fiscal year.
For FY26, the company expects total order inflow to surpass the Rs 57,000 crore mark. As of April 2025, BEL's order book stands at an impressive Rs 71,650 crore.
BEL also confirmed to NDTV its involvement in deploying major sub-systems of Project Kusha — the Indian alternative to Russian S-400 air defense system, which played a critical role in protecting Indian airspace during the conflict with Pakistan. The company is currently engaged in discussions across all three military services. "Various projects of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are being discussed. We are actively involving ourselves in those discussions, and we are hoping good orders will come under emergency procurement also for us," Jain remarked.
BEL's heroes in Operation Sindoor
Here are some of the shining stars of BEL —
Akashteer:
The company signed a Rs 2,000-crore contract for Akashteer system which has demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in combat conditions since being deployed at the borders. The networking and automation project was lauded for playing a significant part in enhancing India's air defence power during the recent conflict. "BEL is proud to announce that our in-house designed & manufactured Air Defence System, Akashteer, has proved its mettle in the war-field. Ground-based Defence Systems integrated with Akashteer made it hell for Pakistan's air adventures," the company stated on social media platform X. Also Read -'Made it hell for Pakistan': Bharat Electronics celebrates Akashteer's triumph in Operation Sindoor
As evident during Operation Sindoor, the Akashteer system has reportedly exceeded operational expectations in real-world combat scenarios. "The system performed beyond users' expectations providing robust Air Defence to India during the current conflict. Akashteer ensures a seamless & unified air situation picture accessible to the lowest operational units of Army AD, enhancing situational awareness across the force," BEL added.
Military analysts note that Akashteer's primary advantage lies in its ability to empower frontline units with enhanced decision-making capabilities while preventing friendly-fire incidents. The system effectively links all Army Air Defence (AAD) radars and control centers to create a consolidated air defense picture, eliminating duplications or overlaps while integrating all weapons systems.
Additionally, BEL's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) has proven equally vital. "The Integrated Air Command and Control System developed by BEL has proved to be the key player in defending India's airspace. IACCS offered our defence forces latest Netcentric Warfare capabilities combining data, surveillance and decision-making tools," the company reported.
The Defence Ministry had high praise for the Akashteer, calling it an asset in "intelligent warfare". It provides the control room, radars and defence guns a common and real-time air picture allowing coordinated air defense operations. The intelligent system helps automate detection, tracking and engagement of enemy aircraft, drones and missiles.
Multiple radar systems, sensors and communication technologies can integrate into a single operational framework of the Akashteer as it gathers data from multiple sources, processes it and allows for automated, real-time engagement decisions.
IDDIS:
Another BEL product that demonstrated its effectiveness was the Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System (IDDIS). "The laser-based anti-drone system destroyed several low RCS drones of Pakistan during Op Sindoor," according to the company.
BEL says that its counter drone system — D4 — can perform real time search, detection, tracking and neutralization of all micro and small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drones and can provide optical and thermal details and RF spectrum display. The IDDIS was also a part of the Rs 572 crore contract signed between BEL and the Indian Army Air Defence on May 16. HAMMER Precision-Guided Munitions:
BEL is manufacturing the Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) air-to-ground weapon systems in India in partnership with the bomb's developers — French defense company Safran Electronics & Defense. Also known as the Armament Air-Sol Modulable (AASM), Hammer is a precision-guided bomb that amalgamates conventional bombs with Global Positioning System (GPS), Inertial Navigation System (INS) and infrared or semi-active laser guidance kits.
It has a range of 15 to 70 kms depending on variant and altitude of release and they are renowned for pin-point accuracy in mountainous terrains and urban regions. They are flexible enough to carry a payload weighing 125 kg, 250 kg, 500 kg or even 1000 kg, and can be integrated into the Rafale aircraft system.
Advanced Light-Weight Torpedo (ALWT)
Popularly known as "Shyena", the Advanced Light-Weight Torpedo (ALWT) is a dual-speed anti-submarine torpedo that was developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) and is being produced by BEL. With high-speed and maneuverability it can zero-in on the target faster, its Advanced Acoustic Homing feature can help track and engage submarines accurately, its powerful warheads can penetrate submarines and it contains a robust seawater-activated battery system that negates the need for pre-launch. Loaded with such advanced features, the ALWAT is an absolute nightmare for modern submarines. BFSR-SR (Battle Field Surveillance Radar - Short Range)
BEL manufacturers this man-portable, battery-powered radar system which was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It's designed for battleground surveillance and has the versatility to even detect, track and differentiate between moving targets like pedestrians, vehicles, light and combat vehicles, and low-flying helicopters. Weighing just 27 kgs, it operates on a tripod and can be deployed by just two soldiers. Thanks to the light weight, it can set up within six minutes. It has built-in capabilities for transferring target data to remote locations and can be integrated with imaging sensors. BEL also offers an extended range version of it — the BFSR-XR. The radar is used by the Indian Army for border surveillance, battlefield surveillance, intelligence gathering, and protection of sensitive sites. Upgrade for Air Defence Systems like ZSU-23-4M (Shilka) and Bofors L/70 guns
BEL has also upgraded anti-aircraft systems like Bofors L/70 gun and the ZSU-23-4 (Shilka) for countering modern threats like drones and light armored vehicles. It has modernized Shilka — Russian-made tracked system with four 23mm autocannons — with advanced fire control systems and proximity-fuse ammunition. BEL has upgraded the L/70 Bofors, originally a Swedish anti-aircraft gun, with electro-optical systems and integrated fire control systems for improved accuracy and target acquisition. Low-level radar systems
As pert of Defence Acquisition Council's (DAC) grant of Rs 40,000 crore under emergency powers for procurement of arms and ammunition for the defence forces, BEL is also expected to secure a contract for 10 more low-level radar systems designed for drone detection during field operations — in addition to a previous order for six locator radars.
Also Read - Operation Sindoor: DAC approves Rs 40,000 crore for defence forces to procure arms, ammunition, says report
With India looking to strengthen its defence capabilities in response to challenges along the borders, BEL appears well-positioned to capitalize on increased military expenditure.
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