Article Posted on : - Mar 31, 2012

Brig (Retd) KA Hai, Chief Executive, Mahindra Defence Systems, Mr. Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Mahindra Group & Mr. Joe Battaglia, CEO, Telephonics Corporation. A Mahindra photo.

NEW DELHI (BNS): Indian company Mahindra & Mahindra and Telephonics Corporation, a subsidiary of Griffon Corporation, will form a Joint Venture (JV) company to supply radar and surveillance systems, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) devices and communication systems.

The impending formation of the JV was announced at Defexpo India 2012, at Pragati Maidan here.

The JV will provide the Indian Ministry of Defence & civil sector with advanced Airborne Surveillance & Communication Systems. In addition, the JV intends to provide systems for Air Traffic Management services, Homeland Security and other emerging surveillance requirements.

The project envisages establishing a plant in India which would manufacture and service airborne radar systems that are already being supplied to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and support airborne maritime surveillance systems for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.

The JV will license technology from Telephonics for use on a wide range of products that have both defence and civil applications.

The companies have been in the process of negotiating definitive agreements and approval has been sought from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board of the Government of India (GoI) for the establishment of the JV in accordance with the current defence sector Foreign Direct Investment regulations of the GOI and the approval for this is expected soon, the Company said.

Backed by strong R&D, Telephonics has developed a state-of-the-art three channel IFF MK-XII system which has the capability to integrate with civil/military aircraft and ground or sea based IFF systems.

The JV will be the first in India to manufacture air borne and maritime radars utilizing licensed technology. Nearly 100 per cent indigenous capability is expected to be achieved in the near future.

Telephonics has an established presence in the Indian defence and civil markets. It is also contracted to supply Boeing with APS - 143C (V) 3 Multi-Mode Radars (MMR) for India's P-8i Maritime Surveillance aircraft, and is responsible for installation of a sophisticated intercommunication system for the C-17 Globemaster contracted for by the Indian Air Force.