BEL bags huge radar contract

India's state-owned Bharat Electronic Ltd said on Monday that it had won a Rs 5.5-billion order to make short-range radar equipment for the Indian military.

BEL, which makes civilian and military communications equipment, said the radar equipment was designed in Bangalore.

"The firm is fully geared to offer the radars (to the military) in a short time," said Y Gopala Rao, BEL's chief managing director.

Rao gave no further details about the contract but said the company had already 'received several export enquiries for the product.'

"BEL is in the process of offering the product for field evaluations," Rao added.

He also said the company was developing a 'battle management system' which would improve the combat effectiveness of tanks.

"By depicting (the tank's) position using advanced satellite communications in real time it can provide a comprehensive view of the battlefield to officers. Field trials are planned this month," he said.

New hand-held radios, weighing 410 grams (14 ounces), for the military were also being tested, Rao said.

"A computer-based communication terminal for transmission and reception of messages simultaneously through data, fax, telex and teleprinter circuits is also being developed," he added.

-- AFP