Article Posted on : - Dec 11, 2012

BANGALORE (PTI): Public sector enterprise Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has signed a MoU with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for cooperation on future Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LRSAM) Ship-Defence Systems.

The MoU lays out framework for BEL-IAI cooperation, under which BEL will function as the lead integrator and produce major sub-systems. IAI will continue to act as the design authority and produce sub-systems as main sub-contractor of BEL.

H N Ramakrishna, Director Marketing of BEL, said: "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 programmes, for the mutual benefit of both companies."

"We will continue to operate under the active support and guidance of the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation)", he added.

Joseph Weiss, President and CEO of IAI, said the MoU is a significant step forward in IAI's joint work with India.

"Partnership with BEL will further enhance IAI's ability to provide high quality solutions and service to Indian defence services, best supporting the needs of India. BEL is a strategic partner for IAI, and we hope this cooperation will expand to other areas of mutual interest", he said.

For several years IAI has been engaged in joint development programmes with DRDO and Indian defence industries for the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, including joint manufacturing of sub-systems.