BEL, SASMOS ink pact to accelerate defence indigenisation

Bengaluru: In a significant boost to India’s defence indigenisation drive, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and SASMOS HET Technologies Ltd have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advanced defence technologies.

The MoU was formally exchanged on February 16, 2026, by Manoj Jain, CMD, BEL, and HG Chandrashekar, Chairman and Managing Director, SASMOS, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production).

Strengthening India’s defence ecosystem

Aligned with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, the partnership focuses on co-development and co-indigenisation of critical defence technologies. Key areas of collaboration include:

• Fibre Optics and Photonics
• Tank Electronics
• Naval Systems
• Airborne Platforms

By combining BEL’s deep expertise in defence electronics with SASMOS’s advanced capabilities in fibre optics and photonics interconnect solutions, the two companies aim to deliver next-generation indigenous systems for the Indian Armed Forces while enhancing export potential.

Leadership speaks

Manoj Jain described the MoU as a milestone in reinforcing India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. He emphasised that the collaboration would enable the development of cutting-edge, homegrown solutions tailored for both national security and global markets.

HG Chandrashekar highlighted that the partnership reflected a shared commitment to innovation, technological excellence, and self-reliance. He noted that the collaboration would accelerate advanced R&D efforts and contribute meaningfully to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The BEL–SASMOS alliance underscores India’s steady progress towards building a robust, technology-driven defence industrial base. By fostering joint innovation and strengthening domestic supply chains, the partnership is set to enhance operational readiness, reduce import dependence, and position India as a competitive exporter of advanced defence systems.