The state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries, yesterday said, Israel has entered into a USD 2 billion contract with India, to supply it with Missile Defence systems.

The Aerospace industry, confirmed, that they have been awarded the contract for supplying advanced medium-range surface-to-air missile systems (MRSAM) to India.

The advanced surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, are designed to destroy hostile aircraft, missiles and drones at a range of 70-km, to further tighten the bilateral strategic partnership, ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s impending visit to Tel Aviv, a major city in Israel, in July.

The MRSAM is operational with the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and Israel Defense Forces. The system includes, advanced phased-array radar, mobile launchers, command and control systems and missiles with advanced Radio frequency seekers.

As part of the deal, the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), said it would also supply additional long-range air and missile defence systems (LRSAM), for the first locally produced Indian Aircraft carrier.

The contract is worth USD 1.6 billion for IAI, with the rest going to another State-owned defence company, Rafael. Rafael, will be providing components to the missile defence systems.

IAI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joseph Weiss said in a statement, “The present deals, represent a huge expression of confidence by the Government of India, in IAI’s capabilities, and advanced technologies, which are being reinforced by our local partners, as a part of the Indian Government’s “Make In India Policy.”

President Reuven Rivlin, who is said, to have discussed the contract with the Indian leaders, during his trip to India, in November last year, called to congratulate Mr. Weiss and to all those who contributed, on this historic achievement, referring it truly exceptional.

The willingness of Israel, to share technology and form joint ventures with Indian companies, and to develop and manufacture military equipment, in supporting the “Make in India” initiative is said to have been well received in New Delhi.

MRSAM has been developed jointly by the IAI and India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Other firms involved in the project include Rafael, Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited and Larsen and Toubro (L&T) Limited.

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