Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) signed an MoU with Cisco for long-term strategic cooperation in networking, collaboration and security, among other associated services.
BEL is looking at elevating its relationship with Cisco — to that of a “Strategic Partner” due to the MoU, which was inked at the recently concluded Aero India show in Bengaluru.
Daisy Chittilapilly, President, Cisco India & SAARC, said Cisco’s partnership with BEL was a significant step in the former’s endeavour to accelerate innovation, infrastructure modernisation, and capability building across critical industry segments. “We are confident that Cisco and BEL’s technology leadership and expertise combined will enable us to forge new possibilities and outcomes for our customers in India.”
Both companies will work together to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the network and security domains.
Bhanu Prakash Srivastava, CMD, BEL, said the strategic partnership will provide BEL access to Cisco technology, which includes enterprise networks, advanced wireless technology, security, data centre network, etc.
“It will also facilitate joint customisation and product lifecycle management for BEL’s various projects and enable the company to build state-of-the-art technology architecture for key industry verticals,” he added.
Additionally, Cisco will explore establishing a Cisco Network Training Academy at the BEL Academy for Excellence (Nalanda), Bengaluru.
Partners With ADA In AMCA Programme
In another development, BEL has entered into an MoU with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
ADA was established in 1984 under the Department of Defence Research and Development, Ministry of Defence, in Bangalore to oversee the development of the Light Combat Aircraft programme.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the “Bandhan” event at the recently concluded Aero India 2023.
BEL and ADA will cooperate for the design, development, qualification, production and supply of Internal Weapon Bay Computer and other Line Replaceable Units for AMCA and provide lifetime product support to the Indian Air Force.
The AMCA is an ambitious effort to develop a near 5th generation multi-role, all-weather fighter aircraft designed with high survivability and stealth capability. Design and development of the AMCA, which is now underway, is expected to be completed in the early 2030s.
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