HFCL Expands Defence Capabilities with Cutting-Edge Technologies

HFCL Limited informed the stock exchanges that the company has indigenously designed and developed cutting-edge defence technologies, including electronic fuzes, Ti cores for thermal sights, thermal weapon sights for light machine guns and assault rifles, ground surveillance radars for various ranges and applications, and high-capacity radio relays. The company is also in advanced discussions to adopt defence technology and products developed by Indian agencies.

The company’s indigenously developed electronic fuzes for artillery ammunition have undergone extensive testing, with intellectual property rights entirely owned by HFCL, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan. Discussions are also underway for the export of these fuzes.

HFCL has designed a 12-micron Ti-core based thermal weapon sight for defence forces, a feat achieved by a few global companies. The company has participated in tenders for thermal weapon sights for light machine guns and rocket launchers with its indigenously developed products, currently in various stages of trials.

To meet the critical Information, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) needs of Defense and Security Forces, HFCL has strategically focused on developing advanced radar technologies. Through its subsidiary Raddef Private Limited, an R&D enterprise specialising in cutting-edge radars and RF solutions, HFCL has designed and developed a range of ground and coastal surveillance radars. These radars employ Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology, offering high accuracy, low power consumption, and resistance to interference.

HFCL is also in discussion with a large player for developing critical sub-systems for their overall surveillance platform. The surveillance radars have undergone extensive trials for ground and coastal surveillance applications, and senior defence officials recently visited the company’s R&D facility in Bangalore, appreciating the progress made.

HFCL is one of the shortlisted vendors in the Make-II program of the Indian Army for upgrading armaments of BMP 2/2K, having successfully cleared the first level of user trials.

Aiming to be a significant contributor to the defence sector and fortify national security, HFCL has invested in its R&D capabilities over the past five years to develop various defence technologies. The Indian Defense Forces, recognised as the world’s fourth-largest armed force, are on the brink of a significant transformation. The government has identified the defence sector as pivotal for the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, focusing on fostering indigenous manufacturing capabilities and strengthening a robust research and development ecosystem.

India accounts for 3.7% of global military spending, amounting to ₹6.21 lakh crore, making it the third-highest military spender in the world after the U.S. and China. With active initiatives by Indian and global governments to modernise and upgrade defence networks and systems, there is a multi-billion-dollar total addressable market. Leveraging its strong R&D capabilities, HFCL aims to address the defence market both nationally and internationally, with the market size for HFCL’s current products expected to exceed USD 10 billion.

The Managing Director of HFCL, Mr Mahendra Nahata, said, “HFCL has successfully created a comprehensive, its IPR owned state-of-the-art defence product portfolio which is not only of national importance but also have a huge demand for export. Entering the defence business on a significant scale, we are exploring new product opportunities and forming strategic alliances to grow and contribute substantially to India’s defence sector. Our innovative products for the Indian Defense Forces and global markets are poised to boost our revenue and profitability”.

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