IAI, BEL Strengthen Ties With Latest MoU

India’s Bharat Electronics Limited India (BEL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have entered into a new partnership to jointly produce Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LRSAM) Ship-Defence Systems. The latest partnership allows BEL to function as the Lead Integrator and producer of major sub-systems and IAI will continue in its capacity as the Design Authority, producing sub-systems as a main sub-contractor of BEL, according to a statement. Over the last decade, BEL and IAI have successfully developed radars and UAVs through similar partnerships. In 2008, BEL along with IAI and two other Israeli firms signed a contract to develop UAVs and their sub systems. In the past decade, BEL and IAI have been involved in some strategic alliances particularly involving radars and unmanned aerial vehicle subsystems. In 2005, The BEL and IAI were awarded this contract, worth US $104 million, to upgrade 48 Russian –made Indian Army Shilka ZSU-23-4 air defence systems. The work involved system integration where the upgraded systems would feature a solid-state radar and computers, electro-optical fire control systems, a new engine and overhauling of all subsystems, the purpose being to extend the life of the air defence system by 15 years. This was initially conducted on 2 upgraded proto-types with the remainder 46 systems to be done later. There was also the possibility of the Bofors L-70 and ZSU-23-2 being upgraded with the thermal imager and LRF likely to be sourced from Israel. "We see IAI as a strategic partner with a wide range of potential joint activities. This MoU demonstrates that BEL and IAI can work closely together on the most sophisticated and advanced programs, for the mutual benefit of both companies" was Mr. Ramakrishna, Director Marketing of BEL’s statement, adding, "We will continue to operate under the active support and guidance of the DRDO". Besides the IAI, BEL was also recently seen planning to enter into a JV with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd to develop advanced missile systems. BEL planned to use its India joint venture facility to source some locally made materials, mandatory for all overseas defence supplies and known as offsets and is still awaiting government approval. A Defenseworld.net news analysis.