Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU), has secured a mega contract worth Rs 2,385 crore from the Ministry of Defence for the supply and integration of state-of-the-art Electronic Warfare (EW) suites and aircraft modification kits on Mi-17 V5 helicopters. The contract falls under the ‘Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)’ category and was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on April 7. The Russian-origin Mi-17 V5 is a versatile military transport helicopter capable of carrying personnel, equipment, and cargo internally or as an underslung load.
“This state-of-the-art EW Suite will considerably enhance operational survivability of the helicopters in hostile environment. A majority of sub-assemblies and parts will be sourced from indigenous manufactures,” the Defence Ministry said.
#AatmanirbharBharat: Rs 2,385 crore contract inked with BEL for Electronic Warfare Suites & aircraft modification kits for Mi-17 V5 helicopters
The project will boost and encourage active participation of Indian electronics and associated industries, including MSMEs. The Suite… pic.twitter.com/dvwW2nVpBa
— PIB India (@PIB_India) April 7, 2025
Indigenously designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Centre for Airborne Systems and Integrated Defence Combat Systems (CASDIC), the EW suite will be manufactured by BEL. The system comprises a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS), and Counter Measure Dispensing System (CMDS), all aimed at detecting and countering radar and missile threats to improve survivability in combat scenarios.
BEL has signed a contract with Ministry of Defence valued at Rs.2,210 Crores (excluding taxes) for supply of EW Suite for Mi 17 V5 Helicopters of Indian Air Force. These systems are indigenously designed & developed by CASDIC, DRDO & manufactured by BEL. @DefenceMinIndia @IAF_MCC
— Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) (@BEL_CorpCom) April 7, 2025
The project is expected to provide a major boost to Indian electronics and allied industries, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The integration of these EW suites into the Mi-17 V5 fleet marks a significant stride toward strengthening indigenous EW capabilities. It reinforces the country’s commitment to self-reliance under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.
Team BharatShakti
