By Staff Correspondent
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Pune, and the Ministry of Defence inked a historic deal on December 15, 2023, to provide the Indian Army with electronic fusils for ten years, at a total cost of Rs 5,336.25 crore. This deal has been inked for the acquisition of ammunition under the government project ‘Manufacture of Ammunition for Indian Army by Indian Industry.’ The initiative is part of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision and will cover a 10-year demand. Obtaining vital technology, reducing reliance on imports, becoming self-sufficient in ammunition production, and protecting stock from supply chain interruption are all goals of the initiative.
Medium to heavy calibre artillery weapons rely on electronic fuses to maintain a steady stream of artillery firepower during combat. The fusils will be purchased for use in artillery cannons that can engage in lethal combat in a variety of terrains, including high-altitude regions in the northern borders.
At its Pune and soon-to-be-built Nagpur plants, BEL will produce electronic fuzzies. One and a half lakh man-days of employment would be created as a result of the initiative, and the ecosystem for ammunition manufacture in the nation will be expanded. It will also promote active engagement of Indian industries, particularly MSMEs, in ammunition manufacturing.
