- Germany-India Defence Ties Grow as Hensoldt Enhances Local Partnerships
By Sangeeta Saxena
Bangalore. 24 February 2025. Hensoldt Showcases Defense Innovations at Aero India 2025, Bolsters India Ties. HENSOLDT, a global defense sensor technology leader, highlighted advanced airborne self-protection systems, electronic warfare (EW) solutions, and ISR radars, aligning with India’s defense modernization. The firm reinforced its India commitment by signing an MoU with SAMTEL to localize production, amplifying its “Make in India” efforts. In an interview with Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU), Russell Gould, HENSOLDT’s Head of Group Global Business Development, emphasized the company’s alignment with India’s security needs and plans to expand partnerships. HENSOLDT’s focus on technology transfer and collaborations underscores its strategic role in supporting India’s defense indigenization and future-ready capabilities.
ADU: HENSOLDT is exhibiting at Aero India 2025. What are you showcasing?
Russell Gould. As a leading multi-domain sensor solutions provider, HENSOLDT’s platform-agnostic systems integrate seamlessly across aircrafts. At the event, we highlight Obstacle Avoidance Systems, airborne self-protection systems, electronic warfare suites, and the PrecISR Radar. These products are vital to India’s defense modernization, enhancing survivability and operational effectiveness for helicopters and fixed-wing platforms.
ADU. HENSOLDT signed an MoU with SAMTEL. What does this partnership entail?
Russell Gould. This MoU is a strategic milestone. Building on years of collaboration, we will deepen localization of HENSOLDT’s high-tech avionics products in India. The partnership focuses on manufacturing advanced solutions here, not only for Indian defense needs but also to integrate into global supply chains.
ADU. What is HENSOLDT’s business scope in India?
Russell Gould HENSOLDT maintains a robust portfolio in India, for example we hold significant market share in Airborne Self-protection Equipments, Submarine Periscope and also Land EW equipments. We project 2025 as a historic year, fueled by India’s growing defense modernization efforts and expanding self-reliance initiatives. We see significant opportunities for expansion in this evolving landscape.
ADU. Germany and India have been strengthening their strategic and defence ties. How does HENSOLDT fit into this evolving relationship?
Russell Gould. The strengthened bilateral ties, highlighted by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and PM Narendra Modi’s 2023 summit, have accelerated export license approvals—a key enabler for us. HENSOLDT is actively advancing projects that reinforce our role in India’s defense ecosystem, leveraging this partnership to deliver cutting-edge solutions aligned with national priorities.
ADU. You have been visiting India for over two decades. What changes have you observed?
Russell Gould. India’s defense sector has undergone transformative policy reforms, technological leaps, and a strategic push for self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in recent years. This focus on indigenization and innovation unlocks immense potential for partners like HENSOLDT to collaborate on India’s growing defense ambitions.
ADU. Does HENSOLDT plan to set up a manufacturing facility in India?
Russell Gould. Our Indian subsidiary, HENSOLDT Private Limited, is actively engaged in software development, systems integration, maintenance, and local repair services for our installed product base in India. There is also a plan to manufacture Sights Karl Gustaf project. In addition, we have also established several product-specific industrial partnerships with both the Indian public and private sectors. As our business in India continues to grow, we are exploring additional strategic collaborations, as exemplified by this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
ADU. Any final thoughts on HENSOLDT’s vision for India?
Russell Gould. India is a cornerstone market where we aim to revolutionize defense capabilities through advanced sensor technologies for helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Our SAMTEL MoU exemplifies our commitment to ‘Make in India,’ localizing high-tech manufacturing and integrating into global supply chains. At Aero India 2025, we spotlight Sensors to improve Situational Awareness, Survivability & ISR capabilities for Indian platform modernization. By fostering technology partnerships and leveraging Indo-German synergies, we strive to support India’s mission to improve self-reliance through global partnerships providing access to cutting-edge technologies.
As Told to Sangeeta Saxena
