BEL inks MoU with Smiths Detection to manufacture high-energy scanning systems in India

5 Sep 2022 , 09:35 AM

Smiths Detection, a division of Smiths Group, is a global leader in inspection and detection technologies for the air transport, ports and borders, armed forces and urban security markets. The company said that the MoU will leverage the high-end, technological capabilities of both the firms to meet Indias domestic security needs. It has been signed in line with the Indian Governments Make in India initiative, which seeks to increase manufacturing activities in India, it added. With a marked increase in movement of people and goods at critical infrastructure, land borders and urban sensitive points, there is a growing requirement for screening technologies in India. To facilitate ease of doing business and enhance safety, the Indian Government is investing in port and land border security. Moreover, the requirement for industry-leading high-energy scanning technology is being driven by Defence installations, which need to screen large volumes of vehicles and impose restricted entry at sensitive areas, the PSU company stated. BEL will handle front-end requirements in the market, supporting localization of the projects. Smiths Detection will provide its state-of-the-art screening technology and technological expertise for the project. The MoU is for a period of five years and can be extended further by mutual consent. Bhanu Prakash Srivastava, Director (Other Units) of BEL, said, ?Though Defence is its mainstay, BEL has been continuously exploring opportunities in allied non-defence areas like Homeland Security and Network & Cyber Security. Through this tie-up with Smiths Detection, BEL will look at catering to the emerging market for high-energy scanning systems, yet another step in the direction of ?Atmanirbhar Bharat? (self-reliant India).? Vikrant Trilokekar, managing director of Smiths Detection in India, said, ?We are delighted to announce the MoU with BEL. Together, we have the expertise and experience to supply the Indian Government with the industry-leading screening technology it requires for its everevolving security needs. Smiths Detection is committed to the Indian market and looks forward to the opportunities the MoU with BEL will uncover.? State-run BEL is a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. It manufactures electronic products and systems for the Army, Navy and the Air Force. The Government of India held 51.14% stake in BEL as on 31 March 2022. BEL reported a standalone net profit of Rs 431.49 crore in Q1 FY23, steeply higher from Rs 11.15 crore in Q1 FY22. Net sales soared 95.8% YoY to Rs 3,063.58 crore in Q1 FY23. Shares of Bharat Electronics were up 0.31% to Rs 325.55 on the BSE. Powered by Capital Market – Live News