Centum Electronics Limited has secured a major order from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the design and development of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar systems for the Utility Helicopter–Maritime (UH-M) platform. The order marks an important milestone for Centum and reflects its growing role in India’s indigenous defence electronics ecosystem.
The AESA radar system being developed for the UH-M helicopter is intended to detect, classify and track multiple maritime targets, enhancing surveillance and operational capabilities in coastal and open-sea missions. The project’s first phase will focus on system design and development, with deliveries scheduled over the next two financial years.
Phase-1 of the contract has a purchase order value of ₹66 crore, with a gross value of ₹78 crore including taxes. Subject to successful completion of the initial phase and programme approvals, the project is expected to move into Phase-2, which involves serial production and supply of AESA radar systems over a five-year period. The indicative value of Phase-2 is estimated at ₹500 crore, or about ₹590 crore including taxes.
Company officials said the programme provides an opportunity for Centum to demonstrate its capabilities in advanced radar engineering and mission-critical electronics manufacturing. The collaboration is also expected to strengthen Centum’s long-standing association with HAL in developing high-reliability systems for defence and aerospace platforms.
Centum Electronics Limited is one of India’s leading electronics system design and manufacturing companies, serving sectors including defence, aerospace, space, industrial, transportation and medical equipment. Its services span concept development, engineering design, manufacturing and system integration for high-reliability electronic products.
HAL, India’s premier aerospace and defence company, has been working on the Utility Helicopter–Maritime programme to enhance maritime surveillance and operational readiness. The AESA radar project is expected to contribute to improved situational awareness, navigation safety and mission effectiveness for the helicopter platform.
The new order highlights growing collaboration between Indian defence manufacturers and technology firms to build advanced, locally developed systems. By combining engineering expertise with manufacturing capability, Centum aims to support the country’s efforts toward self-reliance in critical defence technologies while strengthening its position in global aerospace and defence supply chains.
