Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have signed an agreement to form a joint venture to provide long-term product support services to the Indian Defense Forces through a single point of contact.
Union Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhat made the announcement at the ongoing biennial air show and aviation exhibition Aero India 2023 at Yelahanka Air Force Station here, according to a BEL statement.
According to the company, the collaboration is critical in cementing the relationship between the two companies, which have a long history of collaboration.
BEL, a leading Navratna defence electronics and systems manufacturer, and IAI, a leading Israeli aerospace and defence company, are collaborating on several joint projects for the Indian Armed Forces.
A new joint venture is being formed to provide lifecycle support for the country’s MRSAM air defence system (Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile). It will be headquartered in New Delhi and will provide the armed forces with technical and maintenance support.
According to the statement, MRSAM is an advanced air and missile defence system capable of protecting a variety of air platforms. It is used by the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Israeli Defense Forces.
An advanced phased array radar, command and control bunkers, mobile launchers, and interceptors with advanced radio frequency seekers are all part of the system. MRSAM was developed by IAI and DRDO in collaboration with India and Israel for the Indian Defense Forces.
IAI reaffirms its support for the Government of India’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ through this joint venture (Self-Reliant India). It is also a strong testament to the company’s commitment to a strong partnership with DRDO to develop and support advanced systems for the Indian Armed Forces, according to the statement, which also stated that the collaboration will leverage IAI and BEL’s synergy.
“Israel is an important strategic partner of India, and the successful development and deployment of the MRSAM system for the Indian Defense Forces is a shining example of the two countries’ successful cooperation,” Bhatt said.
The minister went on to say that the joint venture between two prominent Indian and Israeli companies would undoubtedly play an important role in providing MRSAM system product support services as a single point of contact. According to Bhat, this will be the impetus for the “Make in India” policy.