SOURCE: AFI
At Aero India 2025, Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru, to collaborate on the development of Unified Air Space Management solutions and sensor technologies for Loitering Munition (LM) and High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS). This strategic partnership underscores both organizations’ commitment to advancing India’s defense capabilities, particularly in the areas of aerospace and defense electronics.
BEL, under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, holds a leadership position in the Defense/Strategic Electronics market within India. As a multi-product, multi-technology, multi-unit conglomerate, BEL offers an impressive portfolio with over 600 products spanning various sectors, including radars and fire control systems, weapon systems, communications, network-centric systems, naval systems, electronic warfare, avionics, anti-submarine warfare, tank electronics, homeland security, and more.
In its continuous efforts to diversify and expand its technological footprint, BEL has ventured into new domains such as civil aviation, unmanned systems, railway and metro systems, network and cybersecurity, smart city solutions, space electronics, medical electronics, artificial intelligence, and more. The company is also known for its top-tier certifications, including CMMi Level 5, ISO AS-9100, and ISO 27001-2013 (ISMS), further solidifying its reputation in the defense and strategic electronics space.
CSIR-NAL, a leading aerospace R&D laboratory and a constituent of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, plays a crucial role in advancing India’s aerospace capabilities. The laboratory is dedicated to the development of small, medium, and regional transport aircraft, as well as aerospace avionics, composites structures, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and high-altitude pseudo-satellites (HAPS).
The collaboration between BEL and CSIR-NAL aims to address critical needs in airspace management and sensor technology, specifically for Loitering Munition and High-Altitude Platform Stations. The MoU will focus on the integration of advanced sensors and systems to enhance the operational effectiveness of defense forces.
Loitering Munitions (LM), which are capable of autonomously navigating an area of interest before engaging a target, require highly sophisticated sensors and airspace management systems to operate effectively in complex combat environments. The new partnership aims to develop sensors and systems that will provide superior tracking, targeting, and management capabilities for these munitions.
Similarly, High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), which operate at altitudes above the conventional flight levels of aircraft, are used for continuous surveillance and communication. The collaboration will explore new sensor technologies and systems that can support the development of HAPS platforms, providing critical capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and communication.
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