HAL, BEL to share expertise in avionics

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) entered into an agreement to share their expertise in producing advanced airborne communication systems (avionics) for the armed forces, the state-run enterprises said on Friday.

"As per the agreement signed on Thursday, we will share our expertise in designing, developing, engineering and manufacturing advanced airborne communication equipment to meet requirements of our defence services," the city-based firms said in a joint statement here.

Directors of both the research and development (R&D) centres will review the strategic partnership quarterly under their chairmanship.

"As we have agreed to share business from our defence services, HAL will make the equipment and BEL will build on it communications and secrecy products and solutions," the statement said.

The pact also sets roles and responsibilities of both the firms for developing specific airborne communication equipment.

As part of the modern electronic warfare, where technology draws rules of engagement in the face of hostile scenario, the airborne communication system will enable the armed forces to remain battle-ready and zero-in the targets with precision and minimum loss of life and assets.