The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a single-tender Request for Proposal (RFP) to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for one indigenous Shakti Electronic Warfare (EW) system to replace the ageing Ellora Mk-II suite aboard an Indian Navy warship.
The procurement is understood to be part of a targeted modernisation initiative for a vessel operating with the Navy’s Eastern Fleet. A Shivalik-class stealth frigate has been identified as a possible candidate, although the specific platform has not been officially disclosed.
Under the proposed contract, BEL must manufacture and deliver the complete Shakti EW suite within 18 months to the Weapon Equipment Depot in Visakhapatnam for subsequent installation and integration.
Developed by the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by BEL, the Shakti system is designed to detect, intercept, classify, identify, and jam conventional and advanced radar emissions. Its capabilities enhance a warship’s electronic warfare effectiveness, threat detection, and self-protection.
The system’s Electronic Support Measures (ESM) component operates across a frequency range of 0.175 GHz to 40 GHz. It supports high-accuracy direction finding, radio-frequency fingerprinting, and signal recording and replay for operational analysis.
The Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) module covers the 6 GHz to 40 GHz spectrum and uses Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) technology. With an effective radiated power of up to 50 kW, it is designed to counter more than eight simultaneous radar threats, improving protection against modern surveillance systems and anti-ship missile engagements.
The latest procurement is separate from the MoD’s February 2024 contract worth ₹2,269.54 crore for 11 Shakti EW systems and associated equipment for frontline warships, including Visakhapatnam-class destroyers and Project 17A Nilgiri-class frigates.
While the earlier contract supported the installation of Shakti systems on newer vessels, the current RFP focuses on upgrading an existing naval platform. This reflects the Indian Navy’s broader strategy to replace legacy electronic warfare suites with indigenous technologies.
Shakti systems have already been installed aboard INS Visakhapatnam and integrated into other major naval platforms, including INS Vikrant. The proposed upgrade is expected to strengthen the Navy’s electronic defence capabilities while supporting domestic defence manufacturing and the wider Indian industrial supply chain, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
2. Mahindra Defence and Embraer Advance Aerospace Partnership Through Novavayu Aerospace Investment
Mahindra Defence Systems and Embraer are advancing their aerospace partnership through a proposed investment in Novavayu Aerospace, which is expected to transition from a wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra Defence Systems to an associate entity under a revised ownership structure.
The transaction is expected to be completed on or before 1 December 2026. Following its completion, Embraer is expected to hold a controlling 51% stake in Novavayu Aerospace, while Mahindra Defence Systems will retain the remaining interest.
Novavayu Aerospace was incorporated on 29 July 2026 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra Defence Systems. Mahindra Defence Systems is itself a wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra Advanced Technologies Limited, which is wholly owned by Mahindra & Mahindra.
The proposed acquisition has been structured through an investment agreement signed between the parties. Mahindra has clarified that the transaction does not qualify as a related-party transaction and that Embraer is not related to the company’s promoter group or associated companies.
As Novavayu Aerospace was established after the financial year ended 31 March 2026, it did not contribute to Mahindra & Mahindra’s consolidated turnover, revenue, income, net worth, or profits during that period. The company has also not generated operational revenue since its incorporation.
The proposed investment is expected to strengthen Embraer’s long-term industrial presence in India while providing Mahindra with a deeper partnership with the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer.
The development comes as Mahindra and Embraer explore opportunities in India’s military aviation sector, including potential future transport aircraft requirements and domestic aerospace manufacturing initiatives.
Once completed, the transaction is expected to establish a new ownership structure for Novavayu Aerospace, with Embraer holding the majority stake and Mahindra Defence Systems maintaining a minority interest.
