India’s BEL supplies key electronic components for Boeing’s P8I surveillance aircraft

Boeing received a key sensor technology for the Indian navy's P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft last week from Bharat Electronics Ltd(BEL). BEL delivered the Indian-designed Identification Friend or Foe Interrogator - a battle management system that will enable P-8I aircraft to distinguish friendly aircraft and forces. Boeing will install the system during P-8I final assembly at its facility in Renton, U.S. "This delivery is another positive step in our industrial participation effort with India," said Vivek Lall, Vice President, Boeing Defense, Space & Security India. "In addition to supplying an essential technology for the Indian navy, Boeing's partnership with BEL also supports the government of India's industrial objectives". To date, indigenous P-8I deliveries also include BEL's Data Link II communications system, Avantel's mobile satellite system and the Electronic Corporation of India Limited's speech secrecy system. Mr. H N Ramakrishna, BEL board member and Marketing director, said the milestone was a demonstration of BEL's capability to deliver cutting-edge work in avionics, software and structural components.