Guided by a farsighted vision to make the country self-reliant in Defence electronics, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) was set up in Bangalore in 1954 by the Government of India under the Ministry of Defence (MoD). From a humble beginning, BEL has come a long way. It is now a Navratna PSU and India’s foremost Defence electronics company.

BEL is a multi-product, multi-technology, multi-Unit conglomerate boasting of over 350 products in the areas of Radars, Missile Systems, Military Communications, Naval Systems, Electronic Warfare & Avionics, C4I Systems, Electro Optics, Tank Electronics & Gun/Weapon System Upgrades, Solar Photovoltaic Systems, Electronic Components and civilian products. The gamut of products includes small components costing a few rupees to huge systems costing crores of rupees. With its expertise developed over the years, the company also provides turnkey systems solutions.

While Defence continues to contribute to nearly 80 to 85% of its revenue, BEL has touched a chord with the common man through civilian products like solar traffic signals and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). BEL’s reliable and tamper-proof EVMs have redefined voting in India, facilitating free and fair elections. BEL’s customers include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Paramilitary, Coast Guard, Police, Doordarshan, All India Radio, Department of Telecommunications and consumers of professional electronic components.

Research & Development has been one of BEL’s core strengths, helping it maintain it’s pre-eminence in Defence electronics. The Company has been spending about 8% of its turnover on R&D. BEL has extensive infrastructure — its manufacturing network is spread over 9 Units located across the country. BEL provides after sales support whenever and wherever required, irrespective of time or terrain. For instance, its support to the Defence forces during the Kargil operation was well appreciated.

[“Source-ndtv”]