BEL shares in focus on securing Rs 776 crore worth defence orders in a month

The announcement by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a prominent Navratna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Defence, regarding new defence orders worth Rs 776 crore, underscores India's accelerating journey towards defence indigenization and self-reliance. These orders, encompassing critical indigenous systems like Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (SAKSHAM), Software Defined Radios, and Anti-Drone Systems, are not merely commercial transactions but signify strategic advancements in national security and economic growth.

Historically, India has been one of the world's largest importers of defence equipment. This reliance on foreign suppliers often came with geopolitical vulnerabilities, high costs, and restrictions on technology transfer. Recognising this strategic imperative, successive Indian governments have pushed for greater indigenous defence manufacturing. The 'Make in India' initiative, launched in 2014, and subsequently the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' (Self-Reliant India Campaign) in 2020, have placed a strong emphasis on reducing import dependence and fostering a robust domestic defence industrial base. These policy shifts have led to the formulation of specific defence procurement procedures and lists of items banned for import, creating a guaranteed market for domestic players like BEL.

What happened is that BEL, a key player in India's defence electronics sector, has successfully secured substantial orders for advanced indigenous technologies. The inclusion of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (SAKSHAM) and Anti-Drone Systems is particularly noteworthy, given the rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare where drone threats pose significant challenges to national security. Software Defined Radios are also crucial for secure and efficient communication among armed forces, enhancing interoperability. The indigenous nature of these systems highlights India's growing capabilities in design, development, and manufacturing of complex defence technologies.

Several key stakeholders are involved in this development. At the forefront is **Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)** itself, a strategic PSU responsible for producing a wide range of state-of-the-art electronic products for the Indian Armed Forces. Its R&D capabilities and manufacturing prowess are central to India's indigenization efforts. The **Ministry of Defence (MoD)** acts as the primary customer and policy driver, formulating policies like the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, which prioritises procurement from Indian vendors. The **Indian Armed Forces** are the ultimate beneficiaries and end-users, providing crucial requirements and feedback. Furthermore, the broader **Indian defence industrial ecosystem**, including private sector companies and MSMEs, benefits indirectly as BEL often collaborates with them as part of its supply chain, fostering a multiplier effect on domestic manufacturing and job creation.

This development holds immense significance for India across multiple dimensions. Economically, these orders contribute to the growth of India's defence manufacturing sector, create skilled employment opportunities, and reduce the outflow of foreign exchange, thereby strengthening the national economy. Strategically, indigenously developed systems enhance India's national security by reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, ensuring a reliable supply chain during conflicts, and bolstering technological sovereignty. It aligns perfectly with the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in defence, making India more resilient and capable of defending its borders and interests. From a technological standpoint, it encourages further research and development within the country, fostering innovation and building a knowledge base that can have spin-off benefits for other sectors.

Historically, the journey towards defence indigenization has been long, marked by the establishment of institutions like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958 and a network of Ordnance Factories and DPSUs. While initial progress was slow, a renewed focus in the 21st century, particularly with the 'Make in India' push, has significantly accelerated this trajectory. Policies like the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 are instrumental, with specific provisions for 'Buy (Indian – Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)' and 'Make' categories, which explicitly promote indigenous content and design. The government has also introduced a negative import list for various defence items, further incentivising domestic production.

Looking ahead, these orders signal a positive trajectory for India's defence sector. We can expect continued emphasis on indigenous R&D, potentially leading to more advanced systems and even defence exports, positioning India as a global defence manufacturing hub. The focus on cutting-edge technologies like anti-drone systems suggests a proactive approach to future warfare challenges. The success of PSUs like BEL also encourages greater private sector participation, fostering a competitive and innovative defence industrial base. This sustained push for self-reliance will not only secure India's borders but also contribute significantly to its economic prowess and geopolitical standing.

From a constitutional perspective, while there isn't a direct article mandating defence indigenization, the spirit of national security and defence is enshrined. **Article 51A(d)** of the Constitution outlines a Fundamental Duty of every citizen to 'defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.' A strong, self-reliant defence sector is a prerequisite for fulfilling this duty. Furthermore, the government's policies like DAP 2020 and the negative import list are executive actions taken under its broad powers to ensure national security and economic development, consistent with the directive principles of state policy aimed at promoting the welfare of the people.