Star PSU: Bharat Electronics expands global presence to boost exports

BEL has ventured into new businesses such as arms and ammunition, medical electronic devices, and unmanned system platforms, says Anandi Ramalingam

Braving the pandemic blues and semiconductor shortage, navratna defence public sector undertaking (PSU) Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) ended the financial year 2020-21 on a healthy note, with a 9 per cent increase in net sales to Rs 14,109 crore and a 15 per cent rise in net profit to Rs 2,099 crore, compared to the previous financial year. The performance was commendable in light of the contraction in India’s GDP, the health crisis and the resulting lockdowns.

Its performance on various financial metrics — sales growth, profit growth, return ratios — and, notably, its achievements in its own line of