Parrikar to lay foundation for BEL's missile complex.

Bharat Electronics Ltd. recently announced that it was kick-starting the construction of what would be the country’s largest Defence Systems Integration Complex at Palasamudram in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the 900-acre facility on September 30, the company said recently.

BEL is investing Rs. 500 crore on the new complex over the next three to four years. The facility will be part of BEL’s Missile Systems Strategic Business Unit at Bengaluru and will meet the needs of building present and future missiles, BEL said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, senior representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the Government of Andhra Pradesh are expected to be present at the event.

BEL currently manufactures the DRDO-designed Akash surface-to-air missile for the IAF and the army.

Explaining the need for a new complex, BEL said that at the time of integration, missiles are tested in a large area simulating a battlefield and with a host of radars, controls and launchers. These activities are now being done for Akash at the Bengaluru unit.

The facility will be equipped with automated guided vehicles and industrial robots. BEL also plans to create a Military Industrial Complex where small and medium sized industries will be housed and manufacture electronic components and equipment for upcoming defence projects.

THE HINDU