The Indian Ministry of Defense has entered into a Rs 2,385.36 crore agreement with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the acquisition and installation of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suites and aircraft modification kits on Mi-17 V5 helicopters for the Indian Air Force. The contract, signed on April 7, 2025, in New Delhi, falls under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category.
The new EW Suite is designed to significantly enhance the operational survivability of the Mi-17 V5 helicopters in hostile environments. A majority of the sub-assemblies and components will be sourced from Indian manufacturers, promoting local industry participation, including MSMEs. The project is aligned with the Make-in-India initiative, marking a step forward in strengthening India's indigenous electronic warfare capabilities.
The deal is seen as a significant development in the country’s defense sector, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and promote self-reliance in defense technologies.