India and Israel have signed a deal worth over 777 million dollars (Rs 8,000 crore) for Barak-8 long range surface-to-air missiles (LRSAM) for the frontline warships of Indian Navy.
The seven missile systems to be fitted on seven warships will be jointly manufactured by the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and public sector undertaking Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) through a transfer of technology pact. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is also part of this venture.
The Indian Navy already has various versions of Barak missiles fitted on its warships, including aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. The latest missile to be fitted is the next generation of Barak missiles with advanced features like seeker technology, Government sources said here adding the deal was inked on Wednesday.
The Indian public sector giant has already signed two contracts respectively with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkatta and Mazagaon Docks Limited (MDL), Mumbai for fitting these missiles after the ships are built. Moreover, the BEL will be the lead integrator and manufacturer for the project, they said.
The IAI will transfer technology for marine version of Barak LRSAM Air and Missile Defense (AMD) systems. The IAI is Israel’s largest aerospce and defence company. It develops, manufactures and supplies defence systems, including anti-missile, aerial systems and intelligence and cybersecurity systems.
The Israeli companies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and president Nimrod Sheffer said, “IAI’s partnership with India dates many years back and has culminated in joint system development and production. India is a major market for IAI and we plan to protect and reinforce our positioning in India, also in view of increasing competition.”
“For its part, IAI management continually refreshes its business strategy while preserving the core capability and growth engines, of which the Barak 8 is an example, Sheffer added.
As regards BEL, its officials said it is highest ever single value order bagged by it. The company already is the main integrator of indigenously developed Akash missile system and has proven its capabilities in the field of turnkey missile systems. The company is ready for programmes like quick response surface to air missile (QRSAM) for the army, medium range surface to air missile (MRSAM) for IAF and Barak for the navy.