Pune, February 17, 2025: Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has achieved a significant milestone with the inauguration of its second assembly line for Electronic Fuzes for artillery ammunition at its Pune Unit.

The new assembly line was inaugurated today at BEL-Pune by Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, SM, VSM, Master General Sustenance (MGS), Indian Army, in the presence of Mr Manoj Jain, CMD, BEL, and other distinguished dignitaries.

BEL-Pune has been at the forefront in advancing indigenous capabilities in Defence manufacturing, in sync with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.

In December 2023, the Unit signed a Long-Term Make-in-India (LT-MII) contract worth Rs. 4,522 Crs (excluding taxes) for the supply of 50 lakh Electronic Fuzes to the Indian Army over the next 10 years.

To meet the growing demand for Electronic Fuzes, BEL-Pune took the initiative to establish an additional assembly line, which is now ready to commence operations. This expansion is a testament to BEL’s commitment to self-reliance and its ability to deliver cutting-edge technology and high-quality products to the Indian Armed Forces.

In a significant boost to its indigenisation efforts, BEL signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with its long-term technology partner Reshef Technologies, Israel, on February 10, 2025 at Aero India. This agreement will enable seamless execution of the LT-MII Contract while ensuring 100% indigenisation of critical technologies, a mandatory requirement of the Contract. This partnership coupled with the additional assembly line will further strengthen BEL’s ability to manufacture Electronic Fuzes indigenously at the desired capacity.

Electronic Fuzes are used with artillery shells for safety during handling/storage/ transportation and to detonate the warhead as and when desired. Presently, BEL manufactures and supplies three types of Electronic Fuzes (Point Detonating, Time and Proximity) for three types of Artillery Guns — 105mm, 130mm and 155mm, in technical collaboration with Reshef Technologies, Israel.

Additionally, BEL’s Naval and Aerial Fuzes being developed under Make type projects are at an advanced stage of development and will be offered soon for user evaluation.

The inauguration of the second assembly line underscores the company’s commitment to supporting the Defence sector with indigenous solutions.

BEL-Pune remains dedicated to contributing to India’s Defence preparedness and achieving self-reliance in Defence manufacturing.