The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has finalised a procurement agreement with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for a series of electro optical fire control systems, EON-51.  

The deal, valued at approximately Rs6.42bn ($73.39m), encompasses 28 units intended for installation and integration on board 11 new generation offshore patrol vessels and three cadet training ships.  

This acquisition falls under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. 

The EON-51 is a fully indigenously developed system is designed to bolster the Indian Navy's operational efficiency by  

enabling the search, detection, and classification of all types of targets through its electro optical and thermal imagers.  

The system is adept at providing panoramic or sector tracking of various targets under all conditions and facilitates the engagement of medium and short-range gun mounts. 

The MoD stated: “The scheme will generate employment over a period of three years and encourage active participation of various Indian industries including MSMEs, thus significantly contributing to the government’s efforts to achieve 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence.” 

In addition, BEL has amassed orders worth Rs3.52bn since its last update on 28 January 2025.  

These orders include a range of defence equipment such as anti-drone systems, fuses, integrated fire detection and suppression systems, vessel communication systems, and associated spares and services.  

With these new contracts, Bharat Electronics' order book for the current financial year has reached a substantial Rs118.55bn. 

Earlier in January 2025, BEL joined forces with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to create a new collaborative entity to deliver comprehensive lifecycle support encompassing technical assistance and maintenance services for the medium range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) defence systems deployed within India.