From BEL To HAL: ICICI Securities Lists Top Defence Stocks Picks After Government Boost

ICICI Securities has reaffirmed its positive stance on a select group of defence stocks following the Defence Acquisition Council's approval of five major capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 21,772 crore for the Indian armed forces.

ICICI Securities has maintained 'Buy' ratings on the following defence stocks, highlighting expected benefits from the recent proposals:

• Astra Microwave Products Ltd.

• Azad Engineering Ltd.

• Bharat Electronics Ltd.

• Bharat Dynamics Ltd.

• Dynamatic Technologies Ltd.

• Solar Industries (India) Ltd.

• PTC Industries Ltd.

• Zen Technologies Ltd.

These companies are likely to benefit from the procurement and overhaul plans outlined in the approved proposals, particularly in areas such as electronic warfare systems, defence manufacturing, and armoured fleet upgrades.

The brokerage has assigned 'Add' ratings to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. and Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd., indicating a neutral outlook on these stocks given the current developments.

However, ICICI Securities has 'Sell' ratings on Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd., pointing to a less optimistic view on these companies in light of the competition in shipbuilding and the nature of the vessels involved in the latest proposals.

The DAC’s approval includes a range of strategic procurements and overhauls aimed at strengthening India’s military capabilities. Notable among these are fast attack crafts, interceptor vessels, electronic warfare systems for Su-30MKI aircraft, advanced light helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard, and overhauls for tanks and air force equipment.

For defence companies, the approval of these proposals means potential contracts for manufacturing, technology upgrades, and the overhaul of defence equipment, providing a solid growth avenue in the sector.