RRP Defense secures ₹29.8-crore BEL order for germanium lenses for thermal imaging systems
New Delhi, May 24. RRP Defense has won an order worth about ₹29.8 crore ($3.5 million) from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the supply of high-precision germanium lenses used in infrared and thermal imaging systems for defence applications.
The contract marks a major step in the company’s expanding role in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing and electro-optics sector. Under the deal, RRP Defense will design, engineer and customise the germanium lenses to meet BEL’s technical and operational requirements for advanced military platforms.
Germanium lenses are considered critical components in thermal imaging and infrared sensing equipment because of their ability to efficiently transmit infrared radiation. The lenses are widely used in thermal cameras, surveillance systems, weapon sights and target acquisition systems deployed in defence and strategic operations, particularly in low-visibility and night-time conditions.
Industry experts regard these optical components as central to the performance of electro-optical systems, as they directly influence imaging quality, target detection capability and operational accuracy.
RRP Group Founder and Chairman Rajendra Chodankar said the order reflects confidence in the company’s expertise in precision optical engineering and advanced electro-optics. He said the company remains focused on developing world-class electro-optical technologies in India as the country pushes for greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The latest order also strengthens the strategic partnership between BEL and the RRP Group after the two sides recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate in areas such as semiconductors, electro-optics, unmanned systems and other advanced defence technologies.
RRP Defense has been expanding its presence in the defence technology sector through investments in electro-optics, thermal imaging systems, unmanned aerial vehicle platforms and semiconductor-linked technologies. The company manufactures a range of indigenous products, including thermal imaging sights, thermal cameras, reflex sights and surveillance systems, in line with the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) initiatives.
