Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a prominent Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has secured new contracts valued at ₹2,323 crore from two major Indian shipbuilders—Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. The contracts entail the supply of base and depot-level spares for missile systems fitted on Indian Navy warships, which is essential for maintaining the operational readiness of these crucial defense systems.
This latest contract underscores BEL’s increasing significance within India’s maritime defense framework. The spares will support advanced naval platforms, notably the Kamorta-class corvettes. Built by GRSE under Project 28, these corvettes represent a vital component of the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Four corvettes—INS Kamorta, INS Kadmatt, INS Kiltan, and INS Kavaratti—were commissioned between 2014 and 2020 and achieve close to 90% indigenous content, aligning closely with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed at fostering self-reliance.
The Kamorta-class vessels are equipped with sophisticated systems, including BEL’s IAC Mod C fire-control system, and are set to incorporate the Vertically Launched Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) system. This integration, which has been a focus for the Indian Navy since 2022, is designed to bolster the air defense capabilities of the fleet further.
The current order adds to BEL’s expanding defense portfolio and follows a recent ₹2,210 crore contract announced just days earlier for the supply of 240 aero-engines and Electronic Warfare Suites for the Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft, signifying BEL’s robust performance in the defense sector. The company reported a notable rise in its financial performance for Q4 FY 2025, achieving a 15% increase in net profit to ₹2,127 crore, supported by a 13% rise in revenue to ₹8,499 crore.
The Kamorta-class corvettes are emblematic of India’s burgeoning defense engineering capabilities. At 109 meters long and 13.7 meters wide, these vessels are engineered for operations in environments affected by nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare. They are capable of reaching speeds of up to 25 knots even in challenging sea states and can accommodate helicopters such as the Westland Sea King Mk.42B, enhancing their operational versatility.
GRSE’s involvement in constructing these corvettes has also enhanced its standing in the international arena, with proposals recently submitted for naval acquisition projects in countries such as the Philippines and Brazil.
This development illustrates India’s ongoing dedication to establishing a self-sufficient defense ecosystem, reinforcing its strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region while minimizing reliance on foreign military imports. BEL’s consistent achievements in securing significant defense contracts not only bolster the domestic defense industry but also position India as a potential exporter of advanced military technologies in the global market.
