FDAJB visits Akash Missile System unit: BEL says IAF will get first Akash squadron next month

The Batch-1 from the Forum of Defense and Aerospace Journalists, Bangalore (FDAJB), had a facility visit to BEL's Radar SBU in Bangalore on November 2. The FDAJB members was shown various features of the Akash Missile System. In the  last photo, FDAJB members in front of the Russian Schilka tank, which is now being upgraded by BEL. (A report on the same will go live in Aviation Week today). Photography from close range was prohibited inside the high-sensitive Akash facility. Photos: Bhaktar Babu, Bangalore Beat

| By Anantha Krishnan M. | AVIATION WEEK |

Bangalore |  India | December 2, 2010 |

The Indian Air Force (IAF) soon will form its first squadron of the homegrown tactical Akash Missile System (AMS) at Gwalior Air Base. Bharat Electronics Ltd., the principal integrator for AMS, will hand over the first squadron next month. The IAF is expected to operate the system with the Mirage 2000. P.C. Jain, BEL’s general manager of Defense Radars, says his company has firm orders for two AMS squadrons of 48 missiles worth Rs 1,221 crore ($269.5 million). Jain spoke Dec. 2 at the Forum of Defense and Aerospace Journalists of Bangalore.  BEL hopes to win additional AMS contracts from the IAF and the Indian Army.

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FDAJB Invited Talk: BEL to double R&D investment

| By Anantha Krishnan M. | AVIATION WEEK |

Bangalore |  India | November 16, 2010 |

(This is a backlog update from Aviation Week to Tarmak007)

India’s state-run Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) has announced that it will double its investment in research and development (R&D) activities. The company, which until last year invested 4-5% of its turnover in R&D, is expected to devote 8-10% in the next two years.

BEL’s R&D director, I.V. Sarma, told Aviation Week on Nov. 16 that the additional investment would be made available for critical areas like radars, command and control systems, and electro-optics.

“To oversee the R&D activities, we are planning a technology planning division which would map the available resources in the country,” Sarma added.

He said the change in R&D philosophy focuses on three main aspects: identifying the gap in research, identifying and commissioning product development to match the future requirements of clients with an emphasis on meeting international standards, and boosting India’s technology ownership. To this effect, BEL will also develop a technology ownership program.

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FDAJB Invited Talk: BEL's hi-tech coastal survelliance system ready for installation

BEL R& D Director Mr I.V. Sarma during the invited talk organised by FDAJB at the Press Club of Bangalore on November 16, 2010. (Below) He admires the FDAJB logo.

Mr Sarma welcomes back senior journalist Mr C.V.R. Vijay Kumar (UNI) to Bangalore after his stint in Mumbai. Vijay is now in the Governing Council of FDAJB. Photos: Bhaktar Babu, Bangalore Beat

| By Anantha Krishnan M. | AVIATION WEEK |

Bangalore |  India | November 17, 2010 | (Backlog update from Aviation Week to Tarmak007)

A high-tech coastal surveillance system that can detect movement up to 20 km. (12.5 mi.) offshore is ready for installation in India.

The system was indigenously developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) and will be used by the Indian coast guard. The entire data link will be networked to a command-and-control center in New Delhi. The Phase 1 order is worth Rs 600 crore ($132.4 million).

“This will be a path-breaking installation for India’s security,” BEL Director (R&D) I.V. Sarma said Nov. 17 before the Bangalore Defense and Aerospace Journalists Forum. “Civil work is underway to install the radar, electro-optic sensor and command-and-control software.”

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