In a significant move to strengthen India’s maritime security, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has inked a ₹1220.12 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru, for the procurement of 149 state-of-the-art Software Defined Radios (SDRs) for the Indian Coast Guard. The agreement, signed on 20th February 2025, falls under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to promote indigenous defence manufacturing.
These advanced radios will enable secure and high-speed data and voice communication, enhancing the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, fisheries protection, and marine environment preservation. The SDRs will also improve interoperability with the Indian Navy during joint operations, ensuring seamless coordination.
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The project is a strategic step toward bolstering India’s Blue Economy objectives by reinforcing maritime security. It also underscores the government’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology, fostering employment opportunities and expertise development in advanced military-grade communication systems.
This contract marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward achieving self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing while enhancing the nation’s maritime defence capabilities.