As part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth Rs 2,385.36 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru for the supply and installation of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suites, aircraft modification kits, and associated equipment for Mi-17 V5 helicopters of the Indian Air Force.
The agreement, signed under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, was formalized in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on April 7, 2025.
These advanced EW Suites will significantly enhance the operational survivability of helicopters in hostile environments. Most components and sub-assemblies will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers, promoting active participation from Indian electronics and allied industries, including MSMEs.
This project marks a major step in building indigenous EW capabilities, aligning with the Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.