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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated Bharat Electronics Limited’s (BEL) state-of-the-art Advanced Night Vision Products Factory to the nation at Nimmaluru in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district. Established with an investment of around Rs 362 crore, the new facility marks a major milestone in strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
The inauguration was part of a larger event in Kurnool, where the Prime Minister launched, inaugurated, and dedicated multiple projects worth Rs 13,430 crore.
Strengthening India’s Defence Capabilities
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said the new BEL facility would “enhance India’s capability to produce night vision equipment, missile sensors, and drone guard systems,” while also boosting the country’s defence exports.
He added that the world had witnessed the success of indigenous weapon systems during Operation Sindoor, and such advanced infrastructure would further consolidate India’s position as a reliable defence manufacturing hub.
The Prime Minister also welcomed Andhra Pradesh’s initiative to develop Kurnool as India’s drone hub, stating that the drone industry would unlock new avenues in futuristic technologies and employment generation across the state. “The success of drones in Operation Sindoor has shown that Kurnool can emerge as a national strength in this sector,” he said.
Advanced Facility for Electro-Optic Systems
Spread over 50 acres, the Advanced Night Vision Products Factory incorporates Industry 4.0 technologies to ensure high productivity, reduced lead times, and world-class quality standards.
The facility includes a 5,800 sqm clean room area, offering a contamination-free environment for assembling and testing precision opto-electronic components. It will manufacture a wide range of systems, including image intensifiers, thermal imaging devices, and infrared seekers for indigenously developed missiles, as well as anti-drone systems to counter aerial threats.
Boost to Indigenous Manufacturing and Employment
Developed to meet the growing needs of the Indian Armed Forces and export markets, the BEL factory underscores India’s commitment to reducing import dependence in critical defence technologies.
With flexible production lines and space for future product expansion, the facility is expected to generate significant high-skilled employment in the region over the next few years, while strengthening the domestic defence industrial base.
Team BharatShakti
