Overview
RRP Defense Limited, a Goa-based original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specialising in advanced electro-optical systems and thermal imaging technologies, has secured a significant purchase order worth ₹29,83,81,230 (approximately ₹29.83 crore), excluding applicable GST, from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The order, announced on 20 May 2026, involves the supply of high-precision germanium lenses, critical components used in infrared and thermal imaging systems deployed across India’s defence and security forces.
This development marks a major step in the ongoing collaboration between the two entities, which signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in March 2026 to jointly explore opportunities in semiconductors, electro-optics, unmanned systems, and other advanced defence technologies. The order not only strengthens RRP Defense’s position in India’s electro-optics manufacturing ecosystem but also reinforces the nation’s push for indigenisation and self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
Details of the Order
The contract was awarded by BEL, a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Defence, which is one of India’s largest manufacturers of defence and communication equipment. BEL’s product portfolio includes radar systems, electronic warfare equipment, communication systems, night-vision devices, and missile systems, among others. Germanium-based optics are an integral input for several of these product lines.
Under the agreement, RRP Defense will design, engineer, and customise the germanium lenses to meet BEL’s specific technical and operational requirements for advanced defence applications. These lenses are mission-critical components that define the performance and reliability of thermal imaging systems, directly impacting imaging precision, target detection, and operational effectiveness in low-visibility and night-time environments.
The order value stands at ₹29,83,81,230 plus applicable GST . According to the company’s statement, initial sample quantities will be supplied before bulk deliveries begin. The first batch is expected within 8 to 10 weeks from the receipt of the order, followed by phased monthly deliveries continuing until December 2026.
As per the contract, the company will build ten samples in four to six weeks. Once these are tested and accepted by BEL, the main order of 8,000 sets of 23 mm and 47 mm diameter optical elements will be executed. The company is sourcing germanium, a scarce raw material, from Russia, Bulgaria, and South Korea for processing the lenses.
Importance of Germanium Lenses in Defence Systems
Germanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ge and atomic number 32. In optics, it is highly valued because it efficiently transmits infrared radiation, a property that makes it indispensable for thermal imaging and infrared sensing systems. Unlike conventional optical glass, germanium allows heat signatures to be captured and converted into visible images, enabling detection and targeting in total darkness, through smoke, fog, or dust.
These lenses are among the most critical components in:
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Thermal cameras – For surveillance and reconnaissance
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Weapon sights – For accurate targeting in day or night conditions
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Target acquisition systems – For identifying and tracking threats
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Infrared detection systems – For early warning and threat assessment
The lenses will be mounted on rifles used by the armed forces, significantly enhancing the soldier’s ability to operate effectively in challenging environments.