Newsletter
BHEL gained 2% after signing a key tech pact with DRDO’s research wing.
The deets: the deal is a License Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) with Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad. It covers the manufacturing of fused silica radar domes through cold isostatic pressing and sintering.
It means BHEL can now make the protective glass nose covers for missile radars right here in India. These covers keep the radar safe in flight while letting it “see” targets clearly.
Why it matters: radar domes may look like just glass covers, but they’re vital for missiles and fighter jets to function. They protect the radar inside from heat and pressure while keeping its “eyes” clear.
India earlier depended on imports for this niche tech, but with DRDO transferring it to BHEL, the country can now make them at home. This strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence systems.
Zoom out: fused silica radar domes may sound niche, but the opportunity is sizable. India’s defence modernisation is missile-heavy, with projects like Akash, Astra, and BrahMos creating recurring demand.
Add fighter jets, drones, and future export deals, and the market expands further. By localising this tech, BHEL positions itself as a key supplier in a high-value, low-competition segment, cutting imports, locking in long-term defence contracts, and tapping into India’s growing push to not just make for itself, but also for the world.
