News
India Optel Limited (IOL), a Mini Ratna Category-I Defence Public Sector Undertaking, launched its indigenous GARUD High Resolution Binoculars for the civil market on 13 August 2026. The launch marks IOL's entry into optical products for non-defence buyers, built on technology it has developed for the armed forces.
Updates
- Developed by: Ordnance Factory, Dehradun, a unit of India Optel Limited (IOL).
- Launched at: DPSU Bhawan, New Delhi, by Joint Secretary (Land Systems) Dr. Garima Bhagat.
- Magnification: 8x, with a 7.6° field of view.
- Weight: About 610 grams.
About the Binoculars
- Diopter Adjustment: Offers ±5 diopter adjustment to suit individual eyesight.
- Ergonomic Design: Soft-touch eyecups and a weather-resistant, ergonomic grip built for extended outdoor use.
- Applications: Suited to birdwatching, wildlife observation, travel, sports, forestry, marine activities, and security-related use.
- Heritage: Builds on IOL's optical manufacturing lineage dating back to 1943, and on platforms it already supplies to the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces.
About India Optel Limited (IOL)
- India Optel Limited (IOL) is a Mini Ratna Category-I Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence.
- Core Business: Manufactures optical and opto-electronic equipment — periscopes, sights, and surveillance systems — mainly for the Armed Forces.
- Heritage: Traces its optical manufacturing lineage to 1943.