India’s Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is in the race to develop a thermal imaging sights for rocket launchers and infrared image search and track system (IRST) for Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft of the Indian armed forces.

The two systems is part of an INR 6,900 crore (US$ 1.01B) procurement cleared by India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Monday.

BEL Chairman and Managing Director M V Gautama said today that his company had received an expression of interest from the MoD seeking its interest in bidding to supply these two systems. BEL has the required technical expertise to execute the project.

"The TI sight for 84mm RL will be used by troops in operations to facilitate accurate and continuous engagement of moving and static enemy targets and destruction of field fortifications (bunkers) during hours of complete darkness," an MoD statement said yesterday.

The DAC headed by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also accorded approval for design and development of the Long Range Dual Band Infrared Imaging Search and Track System (IRST) for Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft.

The IRST system will help the Su-30MKI to detect ultra-stealthy aircraft like the F-22 and Chengdu J-20. which are made up of radar-absorbing materials. The system relies on its infrared detection capability to plot and track the target and could be a game-changer enhancing the capabilities of the Indian jet.