Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru, has signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence for the supply and integration of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suites for Mi-17 V5 helicopters used by the Indian Air Force. The contract, signed on April 7, 2025, is valued at INR 23.85 billion and includes aircraft modification kits, installation, and associated equipment.
According to the company, the procurement falls under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category. The EW Suites are intended to improve the operational survivability of the helicopters in hostile environments.
The majority of sub-assemblies and components for the EW systems are planned to be sourced from domestic manufacturers. The initiative involves the participation of Indian electronics companies, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as part of the manufacturing and supply chain.
BEL stated, “A key highlight of this project is its emphasis on indigenous manufacturing. The majority of the sub-assemblies and components for the EW Suite will be sourced from Indian manufacturers, fostering growth in the domestic electronics and defense industries.”
The Mi-17 V5 helicopters are multi-role platforms deployed by the Indian Air Force in transport and utility missions. The integration of EW systems is aimed at enhancing their operational role in various mission profiles.