Astra Microwave to hold majority stake in BEL joint venture

Defence electronics major Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) is setting up a joint venture with Astra Microwave Products Ltd for the design, development of prototype, manufacture, and marketing of RF and microwave products for use in defence, space, and telecommunications.

Astra Microwave, a provider of cutting-edge RF and microwave components and sub-systems for critical defence and civilian applications, will hold a majority stake in the joint venture.

The MoU was signed in Bangalore today by IV Sarma, Director (R&D), Bharat Electronics, and B Malla Reddy, Managing Director, Astra Microwave.

According to the terms of the MoU, Astra Microwave will own a majority 51 per cent equity in the joint venture while Bharat Electronics will own the remaining 49 per cent.

The JV is proposed to be the platform for the design, development, and manufacture of BEL's microwave intensive products.

''The partnership with BEL will significantly enhance Astra's delivery capabilities and market reach,'' said B Malla Reddy, managing director of Astra Microwave.