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India-Israel military tie-ups |
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The Defence Export [DEFEXPO] exhibition in New Delhi between Feb 16 and Feb 19 saw two major Indian companies, Bharat Electronics Ltd [BEL] and the Tatas, reaching agreement with Israeli companies to team up for development of defence technology.
BEL signed a “term sheet” and two MoUs with three Israeli defence companies at the DEFEXPO which will enable the Israeli companies to meet their offset requirements. The “term sheet” with Rafael Advanced Defence Systems envisages the formation of a joint venture which is to “encourage indigenous advanced technology capabilities of missile electronics and guidance technologies.” BEL has also signed two MoUs with Israel Aerospace Ltd.-Malat which will facilitate “joint working” in the area of unmanned aerial vehicle [AV] systems. The public sector company is to undertake “product support”, apart from manufacturing and supplying the designated sub-systems.
On the other hand, Israeli Military Industries [IMI], a Tel Aviv-based manufacturer of weapon systems, is planning to use India’s rocket launcher technology to upgrade and replace its existing American systems. The Tatas, who had teamed up with the Defence Research and Development Organisation [DRDO] to make Pinaka rocket launchers, could also become part of the joint production team for the Israeli weapons contract.
Pinaka is mainly used to destroy enemy troop concentration areas and communication centres in air terminal complexes. Pinaka was the first defence contract given to private companies in India. The strategic electronics division of Tata Power is manufacturing Pinaka launchers along with Larsen & Toubro. Recently, two Tata group companies – Tata Power and Tata advanced Systems - had signed agreements with Rafael and Israel Aviation Industries to manufacture a wide range of defence products.
The Israeli contract could soon make its way into India as the DRDO and IMI have completed several rounds of discussions.
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