HFCL Foraying into Defence Manufacturing

Team Udayavani, Apr 6, 2018, 4:43 PM IST

New Delhi: Himachal Futuristic Communications Ltd (HFCL), a leading Integrated Telecom Solutions Provider,announced its entry into defence manufacturing in 2016, to participate in the Government’s “Make in India” initiative. Since then, the Company has obtained several Industrial Licences for manufacturing defence products such as Electronic Fuses, Electro Optical Devices, UAVs, Radars, Electronic Warfare and Communication equipment. The Company is collaborating with leading global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to indigenously manufacturethe above mentioned equipment.

Mr. Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director, HFCL states that, “India is the largest importer of defence equipment in the world. The imports account for nearly 65% of the country’s military requirement. The Government has set a goal to reverse this trend and reduce the import percentage to under 30% in next couple of years. The domestic private industryis accordingly being encouraged to participate in defence manufacturing to enhance the defence manufacturing base and make available state-of-the-art technologies indigenously. HFCL is committed to wholeheartedly support this initiative and contribute its bit to equip the Indian Armed and Security Forces with contemporary global equipment.The privatization effort shall also reduce the procurement cycle of critical equipment and achieve cost reduction. We look forward to DEFEXPO 2018, to interact with global players and enter into suitable sustainable collaborations,to bring world-class technology to the country.”

During DEF EXPO 2018, HFCL shall demonstrate its capabilities in the field of Defence Communication, Security and Surveillance, UAVs, Electro Optics, Soldier Wi-Fi and Power Management equipment. HFCL products shall be exhibited at Stall 3.1.2, Hall # 3.

About Himachal Futuristic Communications Ltd (www.hfcl.com): HFCL is a leading telecom infrastructure developer, system integrator and manufacturer of high-end telecom equipment and optical fibre cables, having its manufacturing facilities at Solan, Goa and Chennai.

HFCL provides single window solution for telecom and OFC projects; offering design, equipment supply, installation, system integration, operation and maintenance services. As a solutions expert in telecommunication and related infrastructure domain, the Company is now leveraging its inherent strengths in addressing complex needs of emerging sectors, such as Defence, Homeland Security, Railway Communication and Signaling and also Smart City Projects.

The Company is uniquely positioned to contribute in Government’s major initiatives towards achieving pan India connectivity through ‘BharatNet – National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN)’ and ‘Rural Wireline Broadband Scheme’ programmes.

HFCL commissioned a Microwave turnkey project for Army in J&K, to provide vital communications to the field Army operating on the Line of Control.In addition, the Company executed a satellite based project in the mountainous terrain of Ladakh to provide VSAT communications to remote posts in High Altitude regions where landline communications are prone to frequent disruptions. Later, in years 2013-15, it executed an Optical Fibre project for Defence Forces in Central India as a part of the ‘Network for Spectrum’ (NFS) program. In 2014-15, the Company bid for pan-India NFS projects and is presently executing these projects on pan-India basis.

Leveraging the strength in manufacturing and project management capabilities, HFCL is actively participating in Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. HFCL products are exported to over 45 countries including the Europe, South America, Africa and Middle East as well as the South East Asian regions.