On a mission to create new avenues of growth, reducing cost and increasing profitability

Navratna PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has been putting its best foot forward to expand global footprints, even while moving towards the larger goal of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Dinesh Kumar Batra CMD, Bharat Electronics Ltd

FY 2022-23 saw a windfall of gains for BEL as the company registered a record turnover of ₹15,044 crore, a growth of 9 per cent over the previous year, despite challenges posed by the pandemic, global chip shortage and stiff competition. The company recorded an export turnover of USD 33.30 million and achieved a market capitalisation of ₹60,000 crore.

In this interview, Dinesh Batra, CMD, BEL, speaks about the key factors driving BEL's growth:

In FY22, BEL's turnover and profit witnessed a strong year-on-year growth of 9 per cent and 14 per cent, respectively. What were the key contributors to such a stellar performance?

The growth in turnover during FY22 was mainly on account of the timely execution of the existing order book as well as the new products introduced in the current FY. The major orders executed during FY22 were Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM), Air Defence Weapon System, Integrated Air Command and Control System, AFNET, Coastal Surveillance System Phase II, Integrated Perimeter Security Solution, Smart City projects, Oxygen Concentrators and Ventilators. New products introduced include Laser Fence System, IR Jammer for Active Tank Protection System, Solid State Power Controller Cards for Akash NG/QRSAM, S-Band 150 W Power Amplifier, GNSS Receiver and IP EPABX System.

As far as profitability growth in the current year is concerned, the increase in turnover as compared to the previous year was to the tune of more than ₹1,200 crore, which has brought in economies of scale and the corresponding increase in profit.

BEL has witnessed robust order inflows over the last few months. Can you share an overview of the overall order book and execution?