New Delhi: In a significant move towards enhancing naval capabilities, the Ministry of Defence has finalized a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hyderabad, on February 13, 2024. The contract, valued at Rs. 2269.54 Crore, involves the procurement of 11 Shakti Electronic Warfare Systems, including associated equipment and accessories for the Indian Navy. This procurement falls under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting indigenous defense manufacturing.
The Shakti EW System is a homegrown innovation, designed, developed, and manufactured domestically. It boasts the capability to accurately intercept electronic emissions and deploy countermeasures even in densely populated electromagnetic environments.
The installation of the Shakti EW System on capital warships of the Indian Navy is expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s electronic warfare capabilities. Beyond its strategic implications, the project is set to stimulate economic growth, generating employment opportunities amounting to two and a half lakh man-days over a four-year period. The project involves collaboration with more than 155 industry partners, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), aligning with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ or a self-reliant India.