An agreement was signed by Israel Aerospace Industries and the Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to work together to meet India's needs for short-range air defense systems.
The alliance is yet another important step in the long process of establishing the synergy between the two businesses. For the Indian Defense Forces, BEL and IAI are working together on a number of collaborative development, production, and product support activities.
The MoU supports the government of India's "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" objectives and intends to make the most of IAI and BEL's capabilities.
"BEL views Israel's IAI as a crucial strategic partner. According to Bhanu Prakash Srivastava, CMD of BEL, this MoU is intended to strengthen the partnership between the two businesses in the area of short-range air defense systems.It will enable the Indian industry to contribute significantly to providing our military with cutting-edge short-range air defense systems.
"BEL and IAI have a productive collaboration in India's air defense industry. Together, we are giving the Indian Armed Forces cutting-edge air defense capabilities that, on the one hand, satisfy their high-end operational needs and, on the other, satisfy 'Make in India' standards. Therefore, it is only natural that we extend this partnership to the field of short-range air defense," said Boaz Levy, president and chief executive officer of IAI.