Astra Microwave signs two key MoUs

Hyderabad-based Astra Microwave Products Limited (AMPL) has tied up with a Israeli defense technology company, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd to form Astra Rafael Comsys Pvt Ltd (ARC) with 51 and 49 per cent holding respectively and in future it could be 50:50 partnership, subject to regulatory approvals.

AMPL is a 25-yearold public listed company engaged in design, development and manufacture of critical RF and microwave products and other strategic electronics subsystems in India. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd designs, develops, manufactures and supplies a wide range of high-tech defence systems for air, land, sea and space applications. The company offers its customers a diversified array of innovative solutions at the leading edge of global technology, from underwater systems through naval, ground and air superiority systems to space systems.

ARC will carry out production, integration, customisation, marketing sale and life-cycle support and additional activities as required in the fields of tactical radio communication systems, electronic warfare systems and signal intelligence systems. ARC will become operational from September 2016 and about $40 million is expected to be invested jointly by the promoters in the first three to four years operations. ARC will have its manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad with a marketing office at Delhi.

AMPL has signed another key agreement to set up joint ventures in India in association with a Canadian company.

Astra is forming a joint venture with Canada-based Unique Broadband Systems Ltd to do business in the areas of UHF broadcasting, satellite uplinking and medical imaging products for Indian and other international markets. The joint venture is expected to do business of $50 million to $70 million in next five to seven years and create over 200 new jobs.

The company Astra UBS Technologies Private Limited is the joint intent to provide Canadian and Indian technology and complex communication system components to further support India and numerous international customers. This is a brain-chain approach to provide Canadian technology and complex communication system components from technology giant of Canada Unique Broadband Systems. This is a BrainChain approach to provide Canadian technology and complex communication system components from technology giant of Canada Unique Broadband Systems to very high tech Indian partner for Astra Microwave products further manufacturing as well as post-sales support in India.