$2bn missile deal between India, Israel will bolster defence system

The Indian military’s capability to take down hostile aircraft and missiles has received a significant boost, with India and Israel signing deals worth $2 billion for advanced surface-to-air missile systems.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will provide the Indian Army with advanced mediumrange surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) systems as part of the deal.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) said it was the single largest contract in Israel’s defence industry history.

The deal was approved by the Cabinet in February and comes ahead of a possible visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel in July.

The IAI describes the MRSAM as an advanced ground breaking air and missile defence system that provides the “ultimate protection against a variety of aerial threats”.

The MRSAM is operational with the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and Israel Defense Forces.

It is the army version of the long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) deployed on Indian warships.

LR-SAM has been co-developed by India and Israel under a ₹2,606-crore programme.

According to the deal, IAI will also supply surface-to-air missiles to be fitted on indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant being built in Kochi.

The new deals will strengthen the position of Israel in the Indian defence market.

Israel currently is the fourthlargest arms supplier to India after the US, Russia and France.

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