BEL-Astra Microwave MoU signing ceremony.
BEL Astra Microwave MoU: Bengaluru: Defence public sector undertaking Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Astra Microwave Products Ltd. (AMPL) to collaborate on the design, development and manufacturing of advanced defence and aerospace electronic systems, with a focus on strengthening indigenous capabilities in critical technology domains.
The partnership will target the development of electronic modules, subsystems and complete systems in areas such as electronic warfare (EW), radar systems and satellite technologies. The collaboration is aimed at boosting self-reliance in advanced defence technologies that are vital for national security.
The MoU was exchanged between Suresh Kumar K V, Director (Marketing), BEL, and Dr M V Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Astra Microwave Products Ltd., in the presence of BEL Chairman and Managing Director Manoj Jain, AMPL Vice President B M Chandrakanth, and BEL General Manager (Strategic Planning) Niti Pandit.
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BEL, a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Defence, is a major player in India’s defence and strategic electronics sector. The company has a portfolio of more than 600 products spanning radar and fire control systems, weapon systems, communication and network-centric systems, naval systems, electronic warfare and avionics, electro-optics, anti-submarine warfare systems, tank electronics and gun upgrades, homeland security solutions, civilian products and strategic components.
As part of its diversification strategy, BEL is expanding into emerging sectors including civil aviation, unmanned systems, railways and metro systems, network and cyber security, smart city solutions, space electronics, arms and ammunition, seekers, medical electronics and artificial intelligence. The company is certified at CMMI Level 5 and holds ISO AS-9100 and ISO 27001:2013 certifications, and is also an empanelled agency with CERT-In.
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Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Hyderabad, Astra Microwave Products Ltd. is an Indian multinational specialising in electronic system design and manufacturing, particularly in RF and microwave technologies. With advanced R&D centres in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, the company has built strong capabilities in translating complex system designs into high-volume tactical production.
Astra Microwave is a key partner within India’s defence and space ecosystem, supporting organisations such as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), defence PSUs and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The BEL–Astra Microwave collaboration is expected to play a significant role in advancing indigenous design, accelerating production capabilities and supporting India’s broader push for self-reliance in advanced defence technologies under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.