Indian Navy to get missile defence systems from Israel for $630 million

India has signed a fresh deal, worth $630 million, with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to supply missile defence systems that will subsequently be used by the Indian Navy. India has been augmenting its attack as well as defence capabilities with new watercraft and equipment in an effort to establish maritime superiority not only along its shores but elsewhere as well, and this step will take it further in that direction. 

The latest order will also be a boost for the Make In India initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. IAI has said in a statement: "The contract will be carried out, for the first time, with Indian government company Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), which serves as the main contractor in the project as part of India's 'Make in India' policy." 

What is India getting?

What India is getting from IAI are Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) or Barak-8 defence systems, that will deter rockets with some of its own. This will be a boost to India's missile defence systems. 

The LRSAM or the Barak-8 is an advanced air and missile defence system developed through what the Israeli defence manufacturer calls "a unique joint development by IAI and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with IAI subsidiary ELTA, RAFAEL, various Indian companies including BEL, L&T, BDL and other private Indian companies."

IAI added about the LRSAM: "The system comprises several key state-of-the-art elements, advanced phased-array radar (MFSTAR), command and control system, launchers and missiles with advanced RF seekers. The system provides the ultimate protection against a variety of aerial, naval and air born threats and is operational with the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and Israel Defence Forces and in the near future with Indian Army."

System already tested

IAI said in its statement: "Prior to signing the contract, the system was successfully tested last week in India as part of operational interception trial aboard India's navy ship, demonstrating again the system's operational capabilities in a representative scenario with genuine target."

IAI President and CEO Joseph Weiss said about the deal: "The inclusion of Indian governmental company BEL for the first time, is a step up in our relationship with the Indian industry as part of the 'Make in India' policy. This unique project represents the close collaboration between India's DRDO, IAI and the defence forces of both countries. We will proceed to implementing it with joint efforts."