Israel Aerospace Industries, Israel's major aerospace and aviation manufacturer, has launched its Indian subsidiary in New Delhi, as part of its partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The subsidiary, called Aerospace Services India (ASO), will develop and support advanced systems for the Indian Armed Forces.
Its establishment is in line with the Indian government's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat: Make In India' vision.
What is the purpose of ASI?
The aim of ASI is to use its new facilities to reduce turnaround time for repairs and service operations, and decrease the cost of these processes by operating locally.
It will offer tailored solutions for the Indian Armed Forces by combining system maintenance expertise and advanced technology to ensure that India's defence assets are optimally operational and battle-ready.
ASI is the only authorised technical representative of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the entire Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system. An advanced and innovative air and missile defence system, MRSAM provides protection against various aerial platforms, and is used by the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force.
The IAI and DRDO jointly developed MRSAM for the Indian Armed Forces.
In a statement released by the IAI, Boaz Levy, the corporation's President and CEO, said the IAI proudly presents ASI as the company's first major milestone towards India's Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, and that growth and technology will create history when both India and Israel will foster the IAI's technology and India's talent and expertise in the defence sector.
Danny Lauber, CEO, ASI, said that over the past 30 years, the IAI has worked closely with its Indian partners and collaborated on latest technologies, and the new ASI office will allow the corporation to further that commitment.
Around 50 people work at ASI, 97 per cent of whom are Indian nationals. The headquarters are in Delhi, and other branches are located in strategic locations across the Indian subcontinent.