What is the story about?
India Optel Limited (IOL), a Mini Ratna Category-I Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Department of Defence Production, has launched its indigenous ‘GARUD’ high-resolution binoculars for the civilian market.
The binoculars were launched on August 13, 2026, at DPSU Bhawan in New Delhi in the presence of Joint Secretary (Land Systems) Dr Garima Bhagat.
Developed and manufactured by Ordnance Factory, Dehradun, a unit of IOL, GARUD marks IOL’s entry into the civilian optics market. The product has been designed and manufactured in India, in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
8x magnification
GARUD offers 8x magnification and a 7.6-degree field of view, allowing users to view distant objects while maintaining a broad viewing area.
It has ±5 diopter adjustment to accommodate differences in eyesight, soft-touch eyecups for extended viewing and an ergonomic grip.
The binoculars have a weather-resistant construction for use in different outdoor conditions. Weighing around 610 grams, GARUD is designed to offer portability in a compact form.
Built for outdoors
GARUD can be used for birdwatching, wildlife observation, nature exploration, travel, sports, forestry, marine activities and security-related applications.
The binoculars are based on a platform that has been used by the Defence Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in operational conditions.
IOL said the product draws on its experience in precision optical manufacturing, which dates back to 1943.
Defence to civil
GARUD combines IOL’s experience in defence optics with modern technology for civilian users. Its launch makes the company’s optical capabilities available to the wider public, including outdoor enthusiasts and professionals.
The launch event was attended by senior officials from the Department of Defence Production, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, CAPF and the Wildlife Society of India, along with members of IOL’s board of directors and senior officials of the company.
The binoculars were launched on August 13, 2026, at DPSU Bhawan in New Delhi in the presence of Joint Secretary (Land Systems) Dr Garima Bhagat.
Developed and manufactured by Ordnance Factory, Dehradun, a unit of IOL, GARUD marks IOL’s entry into the civilian optics market. The product has been designed and manufactured in India, in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
India
Optel Limited (IOL), on August 13, 2026, has launched ‘GARUD’ High Resolution Binoculars for the civil market, bringing India’s trusted defence-grade optical expertise to outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. Developed & manufactured indigenously by Ordnance Factory,… pic.twitter.com/MHOH8xPebp
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) August 13, 2026
8x magnification
GARUD offers 8x magnification and a 7.6-degree field of view, allowing users to view distant objects while maintaining a broad viewing area.
It has ±5 diopter adjustment to accommodate differences in eyesight, soft-touch eyecups for extended viewing and an ergonomic grip.
The binoculars have a weather-resistant construction for use in different outdoor conditions. Weighing around 610 grams, GARUD is designed to offer portability in a compact form.
Built for outdoors
GARUD can be used for birdwatching, wildlife observation, nature exploration, travel, sports, forestry, marine activities and security-related applications.
The binoculars are based on a platform that has been used by the Defence Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in operational conditions.
IOL said the product draws on its experience in precision optical manufacturing, which dates back to 1943.
Defence to civil
GARUD combines IOL’s experience in defence optics with modern technology for civilian users. Its launch makes the company’s optical capabilities available to the wider public, including outdoor enthusiasts and professionals.
The launch event was attended by senior officials from the Department of Defence Production, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, CAPF and the Wildlife Society of India, along with members of IOL’s board of directors and senior officials of the company.




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