Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with HFCL Limited to indigenously develop and deploy emerging technologies and technical solutions to address the requirements of defence, telecom and railway sectors.

As part of this MoU, BEL and HFCL shall pursue business opportunities, capitalising on their domain expertise, technological strengths and market presence to enhance the nation’s capabilities in defence and contribute to the growth of telecommunications infrastructure and other critical, developing sectors. BEL and HFCL shall in this process explore options such as transfer of technology and joint production of mutually identified products and solutions.

According to Vinay Kumar Katyal, director (Bengaluru Complex), BEL, as India undergoes a massive digital transformation with the rollout of 5G, rapid adoption of new-age technologies across sectors has become imperative. With this tectonic shift in the telecommunication industry, the Indian government has prioritised its focus on initiatives such as acceleration of the implementation of 5G network, nationwide fiberisation and promoting participation in the production linked incentive scheme. He added that the partnership with HFCL will certainly play a crucial role in meeting the government’s target of building state-of-the-art technology architecture. Our domain expertise in defence combined with HFCL’s cutting-edge solutions will enable us to actively contribute to the government’s vision of a digital India and help establish India as a prominent global manufacturing hub.”

Elaborating on the strategic partnership, Mahendra Nahata, managing director, HFCL, said that under the MoU, both the organisations will leverage their combined leadership and expertise in developing and manufacturing innovative products, solutions and technological capabilities to address the opportunities across sectors including defence, telecom and railways. With HFCL’s strong focus on R&D, it aim to strengthen India’s defence capabilities and make India a global manufacturing hub for defence, telecom, communication and networking products.