BEL exports $106 million defence, non-defence products, services

Bengaluru: Defence public sector company - Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) - saw its export of defence and non-defence products, systems, and services climb to $106.17 million during the year ended March 2025, an all-time high in its history. This marked a 14.18% rise over the Rs 92.98 million recorded in the previous year.

BEL’s top export markets for its products and systems are France, Spain, USA, UK, Israel, Sweden, Mauritius, Armenia, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and SEZs. The major products/systems exported include radar warning receiver, missile approach warning system, T R modules, Data Link II, coastal radar systems, mechanical parts, communication equipment, EO system, upgradation of sonar, software, services, etc. 

“Increase in export sales was mainly due to the concerted efforts and new initiatives taken by the company. Continuous interactions with prospective foreign OEMs & Customers, proactive offering of products, systems and services, development of customised solutions, offerings of products in new defence and civilian segments, interactions with MEA and MoD undertaking and completing on-time delivery of projects have resulted in increased export sales,” the company said in its annual report.

It is also making efforts towards providing new/customised solutions and efficient support/services to its customers.

During 2024-25, BEL has acquired export orders worth $54.16 million from countries like France, USA, Sweden, Sri Lanka, SEZ, etc. BEL has an export order book of $348.46 million as on April 1, 2025. Over the years, the company has established long term relationships with current and prospective customers.

Along with defence, BEL is also exploring opportunities for civilian products and solutions in developed and developing countries in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI), software applications, vacuum interrupters, civil aviation radars, critical infrastructure protection, solar power solutions, electronics system design & manufacturing services, etc. 

The company is also focussing on various opportunities in offset business from foreign OEMs. It is also closely working and partnering with various major foreign aerospace and defence companies by offering products and systems to meet their specific requirements. The company has identified contract manufacturing (build to print and build to spec) and transfer of technology absorption for 'Make in India' as emerging export opportunities.

Further, efforts are put in to establish long-term supply chain relationships with Indian and global OEMs. In this regard, BEL has offered various products and services to major platform OEMs and their tier-I suppliers. It has also offered complete solutions globally in partnership with Indian OEMs. This has helped the company in leveraging partnership for co-development, co- production, transfer of technology, and similar arrangements with various OEMs to undertake manufacturing of their products at its facilities and utilisation of services not only for Indian programmes but also for their global requirements. 

“Persistent efforts by the company have resulted in acquiring new customers from geographical locations such as the USA, Europe and SEZ - India. During the year, new proposals for radar, gun and tank upgrades, antenna with pedestals, radar sub-assemblies, fuses, avionics, shelters, communication equipment’, avionics and EW systems, C4I etc. were submitted to global customers and foreign ministries. The company has established itself as a part of the global supply chain of Thales, SAAB, Elbit Systems, etc,” the report added.