To enhance India’s self-reliance in the semiconductor and defense electronics space, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Tata Electronics have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop indigenous semiconductor solutions. The collaboration will focus on semiconductor fabrication, Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing (OSAT), and design services, which will be primarily offered by Tata Electronics. This strategic partnership aims to meet the present and future semiconductor requirements of BEL including Microcontrollers (MCUs), Systems-on-Chip (SoCs), Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs), and other high-end processors and could significantly reduce India’s dependency on foreign semiconductor suppliers, especially in the defense sector.
BEL, a key defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence, has played a vital role in developing advanced electronics for India’s armed forces. Its technologies, including the QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile), next-gen corvettes, radar systems, and control systems, have been deployed in operational zones, including recent exercises like Operation Sindoor.
The tie-up comes at a crucial time when India is ramping up emergency procurement following recent border hostilities. BEL is expected to contribute significantly through its indigenous products, many of which are likely to benefit from in-house chip design and manufacturing through this MoU.
With Tata Electronics expanding its footprint in electronics manufacturing, EMS, semiconductor assembly and testing, and design, the collaboration is expected to offer BEL a robust platform for developing custom chips required for radars, avionics, and secure communications all critical for India’s defense preparedness. BEL is not limiting itself to defense. It is also expanding its reach in homeland security, civil aviation, cyber security, space electronics, unmanned systems, and anti-drone technologies. The company is eyeing a 15% increase in export orders in FY25, with a goal of achieving a $120 million export order book. In the next 1-2 years, it aims to grow this segment by over 20 per cent.
Tata Electronics, a fast-rising player in the electronics and semiconductor landscape, is already working on India’s first AI-enabled semiconductor fab in partnership with PSMC (Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp). The new fab is expected to become a critical part of India’s efforts to build a resilient and indigenous semiconductor supply chain.
The partnership between BEL and Tata Electronics is an important step in making India more self-reliant in technology. BEL brings its experience in defense electronics, while Tata Electronics adds its growing strength in making and designing computer chips. Together, they aim to build a strong system in India for making important chip parts. This will reduce the need to depend on other countries, improve national security, support the ‘Make in India’ campaign, and help India grow in the global chip industry. It’s not just about meeting today’s needs, but also about preparing for the future of India’s high-tech sectors.
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