Kalyani Group, Israel’s Rafael set up defence JV in Hyderabad

Baba Kalyani-led Kalyani Group's defence production arm Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd has teamed up with Israeli defence major Rafael Advanced Systems to develop advanced command, control and guidance systems and equipment for the armed forces.

Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS), the joint venture between Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd, inaugurated their state-of-the-art facility at Hyderabad for the production of electro-optics, remote weapon systems, precision guided munitions and system engineering for system integration.

The joint venture, which is in line with the government's `Make in India' initiative, will invest in high-end technology and advanced manufacturing techniques to design, develop and manufacture state-of-the-art weapon systems for the Indian armed forces.

Besides, the green field joint venture envisages creation of significant direct and indirect employment opportunities, import substitution and foreign direct investments into the country, a company release stated.

Spread across an area of 24,000 sq ft, KRAS would be India's first private sector advanced defence sub-systems manufacturing entity, according the Kalyani Group press release.

The joint venture will develop a wide range of advanced capabilities like command control and guidance, electro-optics, remote weapon systems, precision guided munitions and system engineering for system integration.

The facility will also target to export products to other countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Telangana minister for industries and Commerce and IT Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao said the joint venture will bring cutting-edge manufacturing to the state, and add to the state's premier position in the defence and aerospace sector.

Israel's ambassador to India Daniel Carmon said, ''Israel has joined hands with India in making the 'Make in India' vision a reality with joint ventures such as this. Now celebrating 25 years, ours is a Growing Partnership built on deep mutual trust, shared values and shared interests.''

Baba N Kalyani, chairman, Kalyani Group said, ''The path breaking visit of Hon'ble Prime Minister to Israel last month has reaffirmed the importance of bilateral defence cooperation between our two nations. This technology-based partnership is our endeavour to develop advanced defence systems and remote weapon system capabilities within India and is a testament to this increasing co-operation between Israel and India in a strategic sector. We are committed to the government's vision of 'Make in India' and this joint venture manufacturing facility is a step in this direction.''

Maj Gen (Ret) Yoav Har-Even, president and CEO, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. said: ''Rafael has been increasingly looking at cooperation with India in the defence and aerospace arena... Strategic cooperation between our two nations received a huge boost with the path breaking visit of PM Modi to Israel last month.

''Rafael is committed to 'Make in India' and this JV is a step in the same direction. The establishment of this facility is a sign of our commitment to 'walk the talk', in terms of partnering with Indian industry towards indigenous manufacture.''

The $2.5 billion Kalyani Group is an Indian multi-national with high technology, engineering & manufacturing capability across critical sectors such as engineering steel, automotive, industrial, renewable energy, defence, urban infrastructure and specialty chemicals.

Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd. (KSSL) has emerged from being a traditional supplier of components and subsystems to Indian defence forces to becoming a complete system and solutions provider, with the aim of becoming a leading defence player in the world.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is one of Israel's largest defence companies with annual revenues of $2.9 billion. Rafael develops and manufactures advanced defence systems for the Israeli defence forces and the defence establishment, as well as for foreign customers around the world.