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Mr Manoj Jain took charge as the Director (R&D) of Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) on September 26, 2022. He was General Manager of the Electronic Warfare & Avionics SBU at BEL’s Bangalore Complex prior to his elevation.

Mr Manoj Jain joined BEL in August 1991 as Probationary Engineer after completing his BE (Electronics) from REC Jaipur (MNIT) with Gold medal. In an illustrious career spanning over three decades, he has made significant contributions to the field of Research & Development.

During his initial years in D&E at BEL’s Kotdwara Unit, Mr Manoj Jain played a pivotal role in the development of Digital Multiplexers, Cross Connects, CDOT Exchanges and Military Switches. In 1999, he moved to BEL’s Central Research Laboratory in Bangalore and was engaged in the development of technologies for Defence Networks and Network & Bulk Security Solutions. In the area of Radar, one of BEL’s core businesses, he was involved in the development of VeXT, Scan Converter and Display using FPGA.

Mr Manoj Jain served as Chief Scientist of CRL-Bangalore from December 2017 to May 2019, overseeing technological developments in all technical areas. He took over as General Manager of BEL’s Product Development & Innovation Centre (PD&IC) in June 2019. During his two-year stint here, PD&IC developed many new products/sub-systems required for BEL, thus ensuring innovation and value addition, leading to self-reliance.

Mr Manoj Jain took over as the General Manager and Head of the Electronic Warfare & Avionics SBU at BEL-Bangalore, in June 2021. Apart from overseeing all the business operations of the SBU, he provided the much-needed vision for this business vertical.

Mr Manoj Jain has received various R&D awards, Key Contributor Awards, Raksha Mantri’s Award and SODET Awards. He has published many technical papers, applied for several patents and delivered talks to Defence users and DRDOs.

BANGALORE, Sept 14, 2022: Navratna defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is participating in the Investors Outreach Program in the Middle East (Dubai & Abu Dhabi) under the aegis of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), from September 12 to 15, 2022. Mr Dinesh Kumar Batra, CMD, Director (Finance) & CFO, has been making presentations to potential investors in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on why they should invest in BEL.

Mr Batra shared with investors that BEL has a strong Order Book and has been showing consistent growth in Profit over the last 3 years; has been active in various Government of India indigenisation initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, which have good business potential; is a R&D and technology driven company manufacturing key defence systems, products / solutions; and has world-class manufacturing infrastructure.

He pointed out that BEL has an ICRA Credit Rating of AAA (Stable – Long Term) and A1+ (Short Term); has consistent performance in terms of Revenue and Profitability, a robust Balance Sheet, Zero Debt, Positive Cash Flow and rewards shareholders with high dividends every year. Bonus Shares in 2:1 ratio were announced by BEL in August 2022. BEL’s market cap has increased from USD 6,050 million to USD 10,100 million in the last year, Mr Batra highlighted to investors.

BEL has diversified into Arms & Ammunitions, Seekers & Missiles, Network & Cyber Security and Unmanned Systems, Medical Electronics, Railway / Metro / Airport Solutions, Space Electronics and systems, Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure, Alternate Energy solutions, Secure Communication solutions and Software.

This Investors Outreach Program is aimed at familiarising them with the overall India growth story and the attractiveness of Defence PSUs to potential institutional and high value investors. The various government initiatives to give a boost to the defence sector has created vibrancy and helped BEL not only to meet domestic requirements but increase its offerings to international markets.

KOTA, September 12, 2022: Navratna defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) participated in the National Defence MSME Conclave and Exhibition held at the Dussehra Ground, Kota, Rajasthan, on September 11 & 12, 2022, which is organised by the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, in association with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM). The Conclave showcases Indian defence capabilities, empowers the armed forces and motivates students.

BEL showcased its efforts in indigenisation and celebrated its partnership with MSMEs in this forum. The Hon’ble Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla, inaugurated the Conclave. Shri Ajay Bhatt, Hon’ble Minister of State for Defence & Tourism, and Shri Sanjay Jaju, Additional Secretary (Defence Production) & CEO, Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), Ministry of Defence, visited and took a look at BEL’s efforts in indigenisation and greatly appreciated involving of MSMEs in the quest for Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. The BEL team at the Conclave is led by Mr Manoj Kumar, Executive Director (National Marketing), and Mr Manoj Jain, OSD.

BEL officers interacted with local MSME entrepreneurs who showed keen interest in partnering with BEL. They explained the procedure for vendor registration and the indigenisation opportunities available for the MSMEs. In order to understand the requirements and to see the facilities available at BEL, the MSME vendors were invited to visit the BEL factories across India. In turn, BEL officers will visit the MSME vendors to facilitate their partnering with BEL.

There was a huge turnout from students, defence enthusiasts and members of the public.

Bengaluru/New Delhi, July 22, 2022: Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) yesterday signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, worth around Rs. 250 crores, towards supply of nine Integrated ASW Complex (IAC) MOD ‘C’ Systems. IAC MOD ‘C’ is an Integrated Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) system for all surface ships of the Indian Navy.

IAC MOD ‘C’ computes Fire Control Solutions and facilitates firing of ASW weapons such as Torpedoes and Rockets. The fire control system can be customised to meet the requirements of any platform of interest — from small ships to large ships configuration. In addition, the system facilitates counter measure capability for incoming torpedoes through decoy launching system. IAC MOD C has been indigenously developed by BEL in association with DRDO, in accordance with the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, a self- reliant nation.

About BEL: BEL is a multi-product, multi-technology, multi-unit conglomerate offering products and systems in the areas of Military Communications, Radars, Missile Systems, Naval Systems, Electronic Warfare & Avionics, C4I Systems, Electro Optics, Tank Electronics & Gun / Weapon System Upgrades and Electronic Fuses in the Defence segment. BEL’s non-defence business segment includes areas such as EVMs, Homeland Security & Smart Cities, Solar, Satellite Integration & Space Electronics, Railways, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Software as a Service, Energy Storage products and Composite Shelters & Masts.

Photo caption: Cmde Nelson D’Souza, NM, PDWE/NHQ, handing over the contract of Integrated ASW Complex (IAC) MOD ‘C’ Systems, signed between BEL and MoD, GoI, to Mr R S Kutiyal, Addl General Manager (National Marketing-Navy), BEL.

New Delhi: Defence PSU, Bharat Electronics Limited today celebrates the 8th International Yoga Day in a big way across the Units and offices of BEL with senior officers and employees. The employees and senior officials participated in large numbers in morning Yoga sessions led by Yoga gurus.

Early this year a new Flight Control System (FCS) integration facility was constructed at ADE. The facility will support the Research & Development (R&D) activities for developing Avionics and FCS for the AMCA. (Express file photo)

Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will be working along with Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) on the development of critical subsystems for the fifth generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

“We will be working with the ADE and ADA for the development of critical subsystems of AMCA. BEL is engaged in this program. Digital Flight Control Computers (DFCC) will not be given to us by any country. The development of the AMCA will take some time. There will be several trials that will take place. We cannot give any time frame for the completion of the development of the DFCC,” a highly placed official from BEL on the condition of anonymity said.

AMCA is the indigenous fifth generation fighter and the specifications are in line with the Fifth-Generation aircraft technology with features like stealth, internal weapons, super cruise, serpentine air intake etc. Development of AMCA will lead to a quantum jump in technological capabilities of India.In March this year R Madhavan, chairman and managing director, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) told The Indian Express that AMCA program has completed the preliminary design stage and detailed design phase was commenced.

The prototypes are planned to be manufactured through SPV model involving DRDO, HAL and private player(s).

Early this year a new Flight Control System (FCS) integration facility was constructed at ADE. The facility will support the Research & Development (R&D) activities for developing Avionics and FCS for the AMCA.

In December 2021, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A program got a shot in the arm as BEL received an order worth Rs. 2,400 crores from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the manufacture and supply of 20 types of airborne electronic systems to be fitted on the fighter aircraft.

The order spanning five years from 2023 to 2028 involves supply of critical avionic Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) related to Digital Flight Control Computers, Air Data Computers, Weapon Computers, LRUs related to Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and Head Up Display. The LRUs have been indigenously designed and developed by ADA, ADE, Combat Aircraft Systems Development and Integration Centre (CASDIC) and Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO).

Bengaluru/News Delhi: 75 newly-developed Artificial Intelligence enabled Voice Analysis Software (AIVAS) of Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) during the first exhibition, organised by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) at 2022, as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations. Mrs Anandi Ramalingam, Chairman & Managing Director, received the ‘Raksha Niryat Ratna’ Award (public sector category), which was conferred on BEL for achieving the highest Defence exports in recent years (2021 consonance with the MoD’s vision to achieve Defence exports of Rs. 35,000 Crores by 2025 and provide a boost to the domestic industry. Kavach Raksha Mantri launches BEL’s AI-enabled Voice Analysis Software BEL conferred ‘Raksha Niryat Ratna’ Award http://www.bharatdefencekavach.com/news/defence-affairs/raksha ai-enabled-voice-analysis-software/79969.html The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) products/solutions, including the AI enabled Voice Analysis Software (AIVAS) of Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) during the first-ever ‘AI in Defence’ (AIDef) symposium and exhibition, organised by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) at New Delhi on July 11, 2022, as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations. Mrs Anandi Ramalingam, Chairman & Managing Director, received the ‘Raksha Niryat Ratna’ Award (public sector category), which was conferred on BEL for achieving the ence exports in recent years (2021-22). The award has been instituted in consonance with the MoD’s vision to achieve Defence exports The AIVAS, developed by BEL’s Software SBU and Central Research LaboratoryBangalore was demonstrated to Hon’ble Raksha Mantri as part of the exhibition. AIVAS enables intelligence agencies to analyse voice messages intercepted through various communication channels. Key features of the product include voice activity detection, speaker identification, language identification, key word spotting, speech conversion, speech enhancement, audio editing, dialect identification and speaker diarization. Apart from the market launch of AIVAS, other AI Products/solutions developed by BEL’s Software SBU, Central Research Laboratory-Bangalore and Central Research Laboratory-Ghaziabad launched/exhibited at the event were ANANT (Adversary Network Analysis Tool), FND-SMA (Fake News Detector as part of Social Media Analytics), PDM (Predictive Maintenance), ForSeVA (Forensic Search & Video Analysis), GRAIPS (Gesture Recognition using AI for Perimeter Security), RADOC (Radar Audio Doppler-based Object Classification), CTNOA (Classification and Tracking for Naval Objects using AI), UV-CAT (Unauthorised Vehicle Catching using Artificial Intelligence), WANARA (Wild Animal Recognition using AI), BCIDM (Block Chain based Inter Organisation Identity Management Platform), SSPI (Segmentation of Satellite Panchromatic Images), Enemy Aircraft Activity and Plan Recognition, AI Based Anomaly Detection for Maritime Domain, Platform Sensor Grid – an AI based Sensor Data Dash Board Solution, PDM-DMRC (AI-based Predictive Maintenance of Delhi Metro Rail Equipment), MICE (Multimedia Information & Content Extraction), AI Enabled Adaptive Traffic optimisation Solution (AIATCS) and PROCA (Passive Ranging by Object Classification using AI). A few AI products having dual use applications and good market potential, including AIVAS, which were launched at the event are expected to open up new business avenues for the Defence PSUs.

Mr Dinesh Kumar Batra, Director (Finance) & CFO of Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), has received the “Public Sector CFO of the Year” (Individual Category) award at the 8th edition of the “National Awards For Leadership & Excellence in CFO”, held on July 7, 2022, at Mumbai.

Mr Dinesh Kumar Batra has been a change agent for BEL, facilitating sustainable growth by following best practices of corporate governance with financial transparency. His most noteworthy contributions to the Company include an increase in the wealth of shareholders, steering BEL to become the first Defence PSU to cross the landmark market capitalisation figure of Rs.60,000 Crores (from Rs.24,000 Crores at the time of his taking over as CFO) and declaring the highest ever dividend of 450%.

Under Mr Batra’s leadership, BEL achieved its highest ever turnover of Rs.15,044 Crores in FY 2022, a growth of 9% over the previous year, despite challenges posed by the pandemic, global semiconductor shortage and stiff competition. This has instilled confidence among stakeholders, resulting in the highest PE ratio of 23 of BEL’s share price among all manufacturing PSUs. He has guided BEL to the 79th position in the Top 100 Listed Companies of the country, based on market capitalisation.

Mr Batra has managed working capital requirement and new capital infrastructure investment requirement from internal accruals and kept BEL debt-free. He has brought structural reforms to manage debtors to achieve the highest ever cash flow from operations. He was instrumental in BEL taking revolutionary initiatives to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

As CFO, Mr Batra’s focus has been to ensure growth of 15 to 17% in topline. He has supported BEL’s diversification into several non-defence areas ensuring funds are available to invest in infrastructure, manpower and technology.

Mr Batra also regularly interacts with stakeholders and has evolved teams, structure and strategies for bringing business transformation.

Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has achieved a Turnover of Rs. 3063.58 Cr, during the 1st quarter of FY 2022-23 against the Turnover of Rs. 1564.34 Cr recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Profit Before Tax (PBT) during the 1st quarter of FY 2022-23 stood at Rs. 578.10 Cr against the Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 15.17 Cr recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Profit After Tax (PAT) during the 1st quarter of FY 2022-23 stood at Rs. 431.49 Cr against the Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 11.15 Cr recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year.

The order book position of the company as on 1st July, 2022 stood at Rs. 55333 Cr.

DRDO’s Rustom UAV program is an attempt to equip Indian Armed forces with Advance UAV technology which can not only perform ISR mission but can also take combat missions. This program has not been divided into two separate programs or products with lots of similarity between the platforms including LRUs and ground control stations. Line Replaceable Units (LRU) are modular components and usually sealed units of an aircraft, which are designed to be replaced within a short time without using very specialized tools. This means that the aircraft can quickly return to service, while the failed LRU is being tested and repaired.

The 1st spin-off of Rustom program is TAPAS-BH 201 and second one is Archer SRUAV. The same ground control station can operate both the UAVs.

Tapas BH-201 Development: Tapa is being developed for ISR missions but it by design supports the combat payload. A total of 76 Tapas drones will be inducted into the armed forces-the Army, 60; the Air Force, 12; and the Navy, four. HAL has been identified as the manufacturing firm for the first 5 Tapas which will be delivered by April next year in staggered manned. The flight control systems, avionics and data-linked systems for the first five Tapas drones are ready. As soon as the airframe is ready, these systems can be quickly assembled. Tapas has recently demonstrated flight altitude of 27,500ft and endurance of 18hrs. The UAV has proven the two critical technologies which are ATOL or Autonomous Take Off and Landing and the integration of the UAV’s flight system with indigenous GAGAN Satellite navigation.

Archer UAV is going to be a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) class of UAV and is based on NAL’s Light Canard Research Aircraft (LCRA). It was designed to replace or supplement the IAI Heron UAV in service with the Indian Army. As we all know that the Rustom-I was a technology demonstrator. The Archer UAV is spin-off of the Rustom-I with upgraded avionics architecture. It is going to be short range weaponized UAV, equivalent of the Hermes 550 class UAVs. It will be used for precise tactical reconnaissance, hit ground targets including high-value targets and bunkers, guide artillery fire, and conduct patrol missions in sensitive areas such as border and conflict zones. The UAV will be able to fire 4 indigenously developed Helina ATGM which can hit a ground target 7-8kms away. It can also fire Laser guided rockets. There are plans to even integrate archer with air-to-air missile being developed for DRDO’s MANPAD.

Archer UAV development Update: The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has begun the development of an “Archer” medium range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) powered by a Turbojet engine. Last year, the specifications for the new UAV were revealed when the DRDO published an Expression of Interest (EOI) tender for four prototypes. The bid for the same has been received from 6 firms which includes: Alpha Design Technologies Pvt Ltd, Bharat Electronics Limited, Kineco Limited, HAL, L&T & Lakshmi Machine Works Ltd.

As reported by Defence Reach, BEL has turned out to be L1 bidder for the Manufacturing Assembly and Integration of Archer UAV.

The first Archer UAV will be available within a year of the contract being awarded, with three additional prototypes scheduled for testing and flight certifications. Tender anticipates a first manufacturing order of 20 Limited Series Production units. The first 4 Archer from this lot will be used for various tests including the test of airto-surface missile. These 20 units will be supplied to Indian Army and Air Force and if the armed forces are satisfied with the performance then 100 more units will be ordered.

Archer Capabilities: The Archer will have a weight of around 600 kg, payload of 200 kg and fuel capacity of around 150 kg. The UAV will have an endurance of 12 hours, service ceiling of 22,000ft and range of 220km with auto take-off and landing (ATOL) capabilities.