The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has inked a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru, for the procurement of 149 Software Defined Radios (SDRs) for the Indian Coast Guard. The contract, valued at ₹1220.12 crore, falls under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, reinforcing the government’s commitment to indigenous defence manufacturing.
These state-of-the-art SDRs will play a crucial role in ensuring secure and reliable information sharing, collaboration, and situational awareness for the Indian Coast Guard. With advanced capabilities enabling high-speed data and secure voice communication, the radios will significantly enhance operational efficiency in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, fisheries protection, and marine environment conservation. Moreover, these communication systems will improve interoperability with the Indian Navy, facilitating seamless coordination during joint operations.
The procurement of these advanced communication systems is a strategic step towards bolstering the Indian Coast Guard’s operational readiness while aligning with the Government of India’s Blue Economy objectives. The initiative underscores the nation’s focus on maritime security as a key component of economic growth and sustainability.
Furthermore, this contract aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by boosting domestic defence manufacturing capabilities. The project is expected to generate employment opportunities and foster expertise in cutting-edge military-grade communication systems, reinforcing India’s self-reliance in defence technology.
The signing of this contract marks another milestone in India’s efforts to modernize its maritime forces, ensuring enhanced security and preparedness to safeguard the nation’s territorial waters and economic interests.
