Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane visited Bharat Electronics Limited, Chennai on February 13, 2024. He reviewed the performance of the Unit in the presence of Bhanu Prakash Srivastava, CMD, BEL. He commended the R&D and manufacturing facility at the Unit and urged all stakeholders for boosting productivity and efficiency. He mentioned that the contribution of BEL towards indigenisation of weapon systems and platforms is crucial for the success of Make in India programme. He further emphasised on capacity development of MSMEs.

The Defence Secretary also visited the Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) Corporate office, Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) and Engine Factory Avadi (EFA) for a review of production activities and ongoing R&D projects. Addressing the officials of AVNL in the presence of Sanjay Dwivedi, CMD, AVNL, Aramane laid emphasis on global manufacturing practices and highest levels of quality. He urged them to focus on R&D, new product development, indigenization initiatives and increasing overall efficiency and competitiveness.

Aramane paid a visit to the MBT Arjun Shop at the Heavy Vehicles Factory. He also made a visit to various other production shops at Heavy Vehicles Factory like General Assembly Shop, Hull Shop and Transmission Shop. He also participated in a tree plantation ceremony.

Afterwards, Aramane visited manufacturing facilities at Engine Factory Avadi (EFA), where he was briefed about Tank Engine manufacturing and overhauling. EFA demonstrated all the Engines of Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) of T-72, T-90, BMP-II and its other variants, which have been fully indigenised in the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He then participated in a tree plantation ceremony at EFA.