Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the provider of the medium-range air defence weapon system MRSAM (medium-range surface-to-air missile) to the Indian Armed Forces, has set up its Indian subsidiary AeroSpace Services India (ASI) and launched a new office in New Delhi on Wednesday. The Israeli aerospace major emphasizes that establishing ASI underscores IAI’s robust collaboration with the Indian government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat‘ – Make in India – initiative. It further underlines the commitment of the solid partnership between IAI and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in advancing and supporting cutting-edge systems for the Indian armed forces.
“Over the past 30 years, IAI has worked closely with our Indian partners, collaborating on some of the latest technologies. Our new ASI office will allow us to further that commitment,” said Danny Lauber, CEO of Aerospace Services India (ASI).
The Israeli company’s top official disclosed that besides setting up an Indian subsidiary, IAI is demonstrating its strong commitment to the Indian defence industry by establishing a large-scale hub for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of defence equipment in Gurugram.
“We are setting up a large-scale MRO facility in Gurugram, and it will be ready by the end of 2024. Initially, the MRO hub will cover the maintenance and repair aspect for the entire medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) system,” said Oded Jacobowich, AGM Air and Missile Defence Systems and Chairman, ASI.
MRSAM is a supersonic missile that can be launched vertically with a rapid response time. It is intended to intercept various airborne threats, such as guided bombs, aircraft, missiles, and helicopters. The missile has different variations for use by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. MRSAM, also called ‘Abhra’, is a joint venture of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israeli Aerospace Industries. The missile system is produced at Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), with active participation from Indian public and private defence industry partners, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). According to the company’s statement, ASI trades in Indian currency and is the sole authorised OEM’s Technical Representative for the complete MRSAM system.
“We are already looking to expand beyond the MRSAM programme to other defence programmes and other products that customers require us to do,” added Jacobowich.
In 2022, IAI entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to facilitate the conversion of civil (passenger) aircraft into multi-mission tanker transport (MMTT) aircraft within India. Subsequently, in 2023, it forged another MoU with Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) to explore prospects within short-range air defence systems.
The new subsidiary, ASI, boasts approximately 50 employees, 97% of whom are Indian nationals. Based in Delhi, ASI’s strategically positioned branches ensure comprehensive service coverage throughout the Indian subcontinent. With its new facilities on the ground, ASI hopes to reduce turnaround times for repair and service operations, ensuring prompt and efficient support for its clientele. Furthermore, the ASI is looking to exploit export potential by setting up facilities and operating from India.
MRSAM, an advanced and groundbreaking air and missile defence system, offers comprehensive protection against diverse aerial threats. Deployed by the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, the system integrates advanced components such as phased array radar, command and control infrastructure, mobile launchers, and interceptors with sophisticated RF seeker technology. MRSAM, also called ‘Abhra’, is a joint venture of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israeli Aerospace Industries. The missile system is produced at Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), with active participation from Indian public and private defence industry partners, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Ravi Shankar
