SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant step toward bolstering India’s indigenous defense capabilities, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have signed a teaming agreement to jointly develop advanced electronic devices for wheeled armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs). The agreement, formalized on May 13, 2025, marks a deepening collaboration between two of India’s premier defense public sector undertakings (PSUs), aligning with the nation’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Make in India initiatives. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Shri Manoj Jain, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of BEL, Shri Sanjay Dwivedi, CMD of AVNL, Shri Satyabrata Mukherjee, Director (Operations) of AVNL, and senior officers from both organizations.
Wheeled AFVs, such as the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Tata Advanced Systems, offer superior mobility, lower maintenance costs, and adaptability compared to tracked vehicles. These platforms are increasingly vital for rapid deployment in diverse terrains, from urban environments to border regions. The electronic devices targeted under this agreement are expected to include advanced fire control systems, sighting systems, communication modules, and potentially AI-driven situational awareness tools, enhancing the lethality and survivability of wheeled AFVs.
The collaboration aims to integrate BEL’s cutting-edge electronics with AVNL’s expertise in vehicle design and manufacturing, creating a fully indigenous solution tailored to the Indian Army’s requirements. This aligns with the Ministry of Defence’s push for domestic innovation, reducing reliance on foreign imports and fostering export opportunities. Posts on X have highlighted the agreement as a milestone in India’s defense self-reliance, with users noting its potential to strengthen wheeled AFV capabilities for both domestic and international markets.
This teaming agreement comes at a time when India is intensifying efforts to modernize its mechanized forces amid regional security challenges, including tensions along its borders with Pakistan and China. The development of advanced electronics for wheeled AFVs will enhance the Indian Army’s ability to conduct rapid, precise operations in contested environments. Furthermore, the partnership strengthens India’s position in the global defense market, where demand for cost-effective, high-performance armoured vehicles is rising.
The agreement also builds on a 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BEL and AVNL, which aimed to address domestic and export opportunities for combat vehicles, main battle tanks, and infantry fighting vehicles. That MoU, signed during Defexpo 2022, laid the groundwork for collaborative projects, and the current agreement marks a concrete step toward realizing those goals.
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