Pune: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), has inaugurated its second assembly line for Electronic Fuzes at its Pune facility. This expansion reinforces BEL’s commitment to self-reliance and strengthens India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
The new assembly line was inaugurated by Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, SM, VSM, Master General Sustenance (MGS), Indian Army, in the presence of Manoj Jain, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), BEL, and other senior officials.
BEL-Pune has been at the forefront of India’s indigenous defence initiatives, closely aligned with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ programs of the Government of India. In December 2023, BEL-Pune signed a Long-Term Make-in-India (LT-MII) contract worth ₹4,522 crore (excluding taxes) for the supply of 50 lakh Electronic Fuzes to the Indian Army over the next 10 years. To meet the rising demand, BEL took the initiative to establish an additional assembly line, which is now ready for operation.
Indigenisation Agreement with Reshef Technologies, Israel
Further strengthening its self-reliance efforts, BEL signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Reshef Technologies, Israel, on February 10, 2025, at Aero India. This agreement will facilitate the execution of the LT-MII contract while ensuring 100% indigenisation of critical technologies, a key requirement under the contract. The combination of this strategic partnership and the new assembly line will enhance BEL’s ability to manufacture Electronic Fuzes indigenously at the required scale.
Role of Electronic Fuzes in Artillery
Electronic Fuzes are critical components in artillery ammunition, ensuring safety during handling, storage, and transportation while providing precise warhead detonation. Currently, BEL manufactures three types of Electronic Fuzes:
Point Detonating Fuze
Time Fuze
Proximity Fuze
These fuzes are compatible with 105mm, 130mm, and 155mm artillery guns and are produced in technical collaboration with Reshef Technologies, Israel.
Expansion into Naval and Aerial Fuzes
BEL is also advancing the development of Naval and Aerial Fuzes under Make-type projects, which are now in the final stages of development and will soon be available for user trials.