New Delhi. 02 October 2024. Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel’s leading aerospace and defence company, have announced the establishment of a joint venture company (JVC), which has been incorporated in the name of BEL IAI AeroSystems Private Ltd.

The JVC with its registered office in Delhi shall be the single point of contact (SPOC) for extending long-term product support to the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) systems of India’s Defence Forces.

The partnership marks another significant step in cementing the relationship between the two companies that have a long history of association for strategic programmes. BEL and IAI are collaborating in several joint programmes for the Tri-services.

The JVC has been set up for providing life cycle support, both technical and maintenance related, for MRSAM air-defence systems of the country.

MRSAM is an advanced, path-breaking air and missile defence system that provides protection against a variety of aerial threats. It was jointly developed by IAI and DRDO for India’s Defence Forces and is currently used by the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Indian Navy and also Israeli Defence Forces. The system includes an Advanced Phased Array Radar, Command and Control shelter, mobile launchers and interceptors with an advanced RF seeker.

The formation of the JVC is in line with the Indian Government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The JVC will leverage the capabilities of both IAI and BEL.