Centum Electronics Limited has secured an order from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the design and development of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system for the Utility Helicopter–Maritime (UH-M) platform, according to a company statement dated 24 February 2026. The contract has been awarded to Centum, an Indian electronics system design and manufacturing company serving the defence and aerospace sectors, and is presented as a significant indigenous achievement. The programme is expected to strengthen surveillance and operational effectiveness for maritime helicopter missions.

The AESA radar system will be developed to detect, classify and track multiple maritime targets, enhancing situational awareness in challenging sea environments. Phase one of the programme covers the design and development work to be completed and delivered over the next two financial years. On completion of Phase one, the programme may progress to Phase two, which envisages serial production and supply subject to contractual approvals.

The company has disclosed the commercial parameters for Phase one as a purchase order equivalent to Rs 660 mn and a gross value equivalent to Rs 780 mn inclusive of GST. Phase two has been indicated as having an estimated value equivalent to Rs five bn, with a gross value of approximately Rs five point nine bn inclusive of GST, contingent on programme requirements and approvals. These conversions present the financial scale in million and billion denominations to align with investor reporting preferences.

Centum views the programme as a milestone that will demonstrate its system-level design, development and manufacturing capabilities in advanced radar and mission-critical defence electronics. The engagement is described as further strengthening the company's long-standing relationship with HAL and supporting India's indigenous defence industrial base. The company remains positioned to deliver concept to commissioning solutions across defence, aerospace, space, industrial and transportation sectors.