The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹1,220.12 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to procure 149 state-of-the-art Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The acquisition falls under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, reinforcing India’s commitment to indigenous defence manufacturing.
According to the Ministry, these next-generation SDRs will enhance secure and reliable communication, ensuring high-speed data transmission and encrypted voice connectivity. Designed with cutting-edge technology, the radios will provide seamless interoperability across multiple platforms, enabling real-time coordination and situational awareness, even in demanding maritime environments.
This procurement will significantly bolster the Indian Coast Guard’s operational effectiveness in key missions, including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, fisheries protection, and environmental safeguarding. By equipping the ICG with enhanced communication capabilities, the initiative ensures swift response to both routine and emergencies, strengthening coastal security.
Furthermore, the new SDRs will enhance interoperability with the Indian Navy, facilitating smoother joint operations and exercises. This development not only reinforces India’s maritime defence capabilities but also fosters greater synergy among its naval forces.
The initiative aligns with India’s vision of a secure maritime domain, supporting the Government’s Blue Economy goals by safeguarding trade routes and marine resources. Additionally, it advances the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission by boosting domestic manufacturing of high-tech military-grade communication systems. The contract with BEL is expected to generate employment opportunities and drive technological advancements within the Indian defence sector.
₹697.35 Crore Contract Signed for 1,868 Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks for Armed Forces
In a separate development, the Ministry of Defence has finalized contracts worth ₹697.35 crore with ACE Limited and JCB India Limited for the procurement of 1,868 Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks (RTFLTs) for the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy.
These specialized forklifts will play a crucial role in logistics and combat support operations. They will reduce the manual handling of heavy stores and improve the efficiency of material movement across defence installations. Their deployment will significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of the armed forces by streamlining supply chain logistics.
As a Buy (Indian) project, the initiative will strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, creating employment opportunities, particularly within the MSME sector, by producing key components.
Both procurements mark a significant step in modernizing India’s defence infrastructure while reinforcing the nation’s self-reliance in critical military technologies.
Team BharatShakti
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