The Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced on April 6, 2017, that the company has been awarded contracts in India totalling almost $2 billion. In a mega-contract worth over $1.6 billion, considered to be the largest defence contract in Israel’s defence industries’ history, IAI will provide an advanced MRSAM air and missile defence systems to the Indian Army.

The company will also supply additional LRSAM air and missile defence systems for the first ‘Build in India’ Indian aircraft carrier.

MRSAM is an advanced ground-breaking air and missile defence system that provides the ultimate protection against a variety of aerial threats. In its existing version, MRSAM is operational with the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and Israel Defense Forces. The system includes an advanced phased-array radar, command and control, mobile launchers and missiles with advanced RF seekers. MRSAM was developed jointly for the Indian Army by IAI and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Rafael and IAI/Elta, and worked with various Indian companies including BEL, L&T, BDL and other private vendors.

Joseph Weiss, IAI’s President and CEO, said: “Over the past 25 years, IAI has worked with the Indian defence industries and armed forces in many areas as part of our strategic partnership. The current contracts represent an enormous expression of confidence by the Government of India in IAI’s capabilities and advanced technologies which are being developed with our local partners as part of the Indian Government’s ‘Make in India’ policy. We continue to stand with our partners in India at the forefront of technology for the defence and security of both our countries.” Weiss added: “this contract award also recognises the professionalism of all of Israel’s defence industries. We at IAI are proud to be leading this flagship project after a long and joint development process.”

Boaz Levi, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Systems, Missiles & Space Group, said: “Along with our partner in India, we will supply to the Indian Army an advanced, sophisticated and innovative system that will provide the best operational solution. This complex development reflects technological innovation, creativity, vision and remarkable personal dedication of all those involved in the development of the system both in Israel and India”.