BEL–Indian Navy Alliance to Boost Real-Time Maritime Domain Awareness

Project Overview The Indian Navy has entered into a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the implementation of the National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) Project, aimed at strengthening maritime and coastal security. Scope of Work Upgrade the existing National Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence (NC3I) Network to the advanced NMDA Network. Integrate artificial intelligence–enabled software for enhanced data analysis and threat detection. Transform the Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) in Gurugram into a multi-agency NMDA centre hosting representatives from various national maritime stakeholders. Execute the project on a turnkey basis under the administration of the Indian Navy. Signing Ceremony The agreement was formalized in New Delhi in the presence of Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, and Manoj Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of BEL. Strategic Significance By creating a unified, AI-driven surveillance and information-sharing network, the NMDA Project will: Provide real-time maritime domain awareness across India’s coastline. Facilitate coordinated responses among the Navy, coast guard, fisheries, customs, and other agencies. Strengthen coastal security and safeguard critical sea lanes against emerging threats. This collaboration underscores India’s commitment to leveraging domestic defence expertise to enhance national security. Related BEL Achievements Last month, BEL also secured orders worth over ₹3,000 crore, including two contracts valued at ₹2,323 crore from major shipbuilders for missile-system spares—highlighting its pivotal role in India’s defence readiness.