The two countries might also jointly develop new UAVs.
"Defense News" reports that India and Israel are close to an agreement on the joint manufacture of Israeli unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in India. The agreement will cover Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) Heron and Searcher 2 UAVs. The two countries might also jointly develop new UAVs.
Indian Ministry of Defence officials said technology transfer issues were not yet settled. Discussions on joint manufacture of UAVs began during Prime Minister Ariel Sharon visit to New Delhi in September 2003.
An Israeli source confirmed to "Defense News" that progress had been made in the bilateral negotiations for the manufacture of UAVs. Nevertheless, the source added, "Nothing has been signed yet, and nothing is likely to be signed in the near future."
The source said joint development of new UAVs was also possible. "We're optimistic about potential wide-ranging and long-term cooperation with the Indian government and Indian defense industries."
India has bought over 100 UAVs since 1995, mostly from Israel, and will need 200 more over the next five years.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on January 15, 2004