Israeli Firms Queue Up To Offer Unmanned Aerial Systems for IAF and Navy

[arp2041]

Israeli aerospace firms are once again leading the fray for India’s upcoming tender for the acquisition of 95 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). At least two Israeli firms, including Innocon and Blue Bird Aero systems, have expressed their interest in offering their unmanned aerial system for Indian Air Force and Navy.

The Israeli UAV manufacturer Innocon plans to offer its unmanned aerial system called ‘Spider’ for the Indian UAV tender. Innocon’s ‘Spider’ weighs 2.5 kg without its sensor payload and battery installed. The ‘Spider’ unmanned aerial system will provide an operating endurance of 30min. Innocon has also teamed with an Indian partner to bid for the deal.

Meanwhile, another Israeli firm called BlueBird Aero Systems is in the race for offering UAVs to India. BlueBird is offering its 1kg MicroB air vehicle. Bluebird is involved in the design, development and production of tactical unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Bluebird also has an agreement with Bangalore’s Dynamatic Technologies Ltd for the manufacturing, assembly and marketing of mini and micro tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in India.

India is actively pursuing the planned acquisition of about 95 unammned aerial systems. Each aerial system will comprise of two air vehicles, four payloads and a ground control station. Each complete system should weigh 15kg. Defence Ministry has revealed that the process for the procurement has already started and that the bidding process is likely to be initiated by the beginning of next year.

On the other hand, Israeli companies BlueBird, Elbit Systems and Innocon are also gearing up to vie for the pending 20 mini UAS contest for the Indian army. According to industry experts, India’s interest in acquiring UAS is likely to grow to about 600 systems worth approximately $ 1.25 billion in the coming years.

Earlier, India had indicated that out of the 95 unammned aerial systems, 60 UAVs will be for the IAF, while the remaining 35 units are meant for use by the Indian Navy. Defence ministry has already placed certain conditions for the future UAV deal, insisting that the weight of the UAV should not be more than 5.50 lb and the entire set, including the operational kit should not weigh more than 33 lb.

The Indian Armed forces have been increasing the use of UAVs and drones for border surveillance and most of them have been provided by Israel. In 1996, New Delhi began operating Searcher and MALE UAVs bought through Israel Aeronautics Industries (IAI). From 2000 onwards, India acquired Searcher II and Heron UAVs also designed by IAI. The armed forces now have around a hundred Searcher II and sixty Heron.


http://www.defencenow.com/news/873/...unmanned-aerial-systems-for-iaf-and-navy.html

 

[sancho]

...Meanwhile, another Israeli firm called BlueBird Aero Systems is in the race for offering UAVs to India....

In relation to this:

Piramal concludes partial acquisition of BlueBird shares

The Indian company acquires 28% of the shares of Israeli UAV manufacturer BlueBird

The Indian pharmaceutical company Piramal has concluded the acquisition of 28% of the shares of BlueBird, an Israeli manufacturer of UAVs. The deal, initially revealed by IsraelDefense, was concluded in the past few days.

After the round of talks held by the Indian company’s representatives in Israel, a decision was made to acquire part of the shares of the Israeli company. It was learned yesterday that the deal was completed, with the acquisition of 28% of the shares.

As reported by IsraelDefense, Piramal has a plan for establishing a defense subsidiary, which may lead to additional potential investments in Israeli companies. India is planning several large-scale tenders for acquiring micro and mini-UAVs at a scope of $1.25 billion...

http://www.israeldefense.com/?CategoryID=483&ArticleID=1627