Israeli, Indian defense firms sign major cooperation agreement

Israel's Rafael, India's Reliance Defense to cooperate on air defense systems, air-to-air missiles, and surveillance balloons.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Updated: MARCH 30, 2016 05:39
Rafael-produced Namer armored personnel carrier with Trophy anti-missile system (photo credit: DEFENSE MINISTRY/MERKAVA TANK ADMINISTRATION)
Rafael-produced Namer armored personnel carrier with Trophy anti-missile system
(photo credit: DEFENSE MINISTRY/MERKAVA TANK ADMINISTRATION)
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. signed a cooperation agreement with India’s Reliance Defense Systems Ltd. on Tuesday that will encompass future deals worth $10 billion, the companies announced in Goa, where the 2016 Defexpo exhibition is taking place.
The agreement covers cooperation in the production, development and supply of air defense systems, air-to-air missiles and surveillance balloons, Rafael said.
The ceremony was attended by Israel’s Ambassador to India, Daniel Carmon, and Rafael Director-General Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yoav Har-Even.
Reliance part of one of the five largest conglomerate holding companies in India, which has $15 billion in assets and business activities related to infrastructure, media and energy.
Har-Even said the cooperation is “part of our global strategy for cooperation in general and in India, specifically.
“This cooperation will help us give the Indian Defense Ministry its added value when it comes to deal with the goals and challenges it faces.”
This year, the highest number of Israeli defense industries – 28 – have set up booths at the Defexpo event under the auspices of the Defense Ministry’s Defense Exports Branch.
The large Israeli delegation “best reflects the growing defense and technological ties between India and Israel,” said Michael Ben-Baruch, head of the Defense Ministry’s Sibat (Defense Export Organization) department.