New Delhi, Feb. 8 -- In a major push towards self-reliance in defence, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a Rs642.17 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of 28 EON-51 Electro Optical Fire Control Systems for the Indian Navy.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the deal, inked under the 'Buy (Indian-IDDM)' category, will equip 11 New Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels and three Cadet Training Ships with advanced surveillance and targeting capabilities.

The EON-51 system is designed to enhance the Navy's operational readiness by providing search, detection, and classification of targets using Electro Optical and Thermal Imager devices.

The contract is expected to generate employment over the ne...