The Indian Navy has awarded Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) a $630 million contract for the delivery of LRSAM air and missile defense systems for four Indian Navy ships, the Israeli company announced on Sunday.
LRSAM is an air and missile defense system under joint development by IAI and India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in collaboration with IAI subsidiary ELTA, RAFAEL, various Indian companies including BEL, L&T, BDL and other private Indian companies.
IAI said that work on this contract will be carried out, for the first time, with Indian government company Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), which serves as the main contractor in the project as part of India’s “Make in India” policy.
Prior to signing the contract, the LRSAM was tested last week in India as part of an operational interception trial aboard the Indian Navy destroyer INS Kochi, demonstrating the system’s operational capabilities in a representative scenario with a genuine target.
The trial scenario started with the launch and engagement of the target. The MFSTAR radar aboard INS Kochi identified the air-borne threat and tracked it over its flying course. The data was sent to the command center of the weapon system which launched the intercepting missile into orbit.
The Indian Navy intends to equip its four Kolkata-class destroyers, the Project 17A frigates and the indigenous aircraft carrier.
“The new contract adds to other deals signed in the last decade by IAI with India’s defense forces, reinforcing IAI’s global leadership position in air and missile defense systems,” Joseph Weiss , IAI president and CEO, said. “The inclusion of Indian governmental company BEL for the first time, is a step up in our relationship with the Indian industry as part of the ‘Make in India’ policy. This unique project represents the close collaboration between India’s DRDO, IAI and the defence forces of both countries. We will proceed to implementing it with joint efforts.”