On Friday, the Ministry of Defence finalized a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Pune, valued at Rs 5,336.25 crore for the acquisition of electronic fuzes to enhance the long-range attack capabilities of the Indian Army’s artillery. This significant agreement spans a period of 10 years and is part of the ‘Manufacture of Ammunition for Indian Army by Indian Industry’ initiative, aiming for self-sufficiency in ammunition production over the long term.
Describing the contract as a ‘landmark’ agreement, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) emphasized its strategic importance in building ammunition reserves, reducing reliance on imports, achieving self-sustainability in ammunition manufacturing, acquiring critical technologies, and securing stocks in the face of supply chain disruptions.
Electronic fuzes play a crucial role in medium to heavy calibre artillery guns, ensuring sustained firepower for military operations. The procured fuzes will be utilized in artillery guns capable of engaging lethally in diverse terrains, including high-altitude areas along the Northern Borders.
Bharat Electronics Limited will manufacture the electronic fuzes at its Pune and upcoming Nagpur Plant, contributing significantly to employment generation, with an anticipated workforce of 150,000 individuals. This initiative is expected to foster the active involvement of Indian industries, including MSMEs, in ammunition manufacturing, thereby expanding the ammunition manufacturing ecosystem in the country.
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