India to buy Israeli missiles
India is to buy 131 surface-to-air missiles from Israel in a $70 million deal, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 2 January ahead of a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Barak missiles, manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, are to be used for India's future aircraft carrier currently under construction.
Israel has become a major defence supplier to India, selling an average of $1 billion of military equipment each year.
In April 2017, the two countries signed a military deal worth nearly $2 billion which includes the supply over several years of medium-range surface-to-air missiles, launchers and communications technology.
It was unclear whether the deal announced on 2 January was part of that.
The MoD also said it had approved the purchase of 240 air-launched munitions from Russia's JSC Rosonboron Exports for $188 million.
The Indian MoD said: ‘This procurement will address the deficiency of precision-guided munitions in the IAF [Indian Air Force] arsenal, besides enhancing the offensive capabilities of the IAF.’
India, which has longstanding territorial disputes with neighbours China and Pakistan, has signed several big-ticket defence deals since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014.
It has however been moving away from relying on traditional ally Russia for military hardware.
More from Land Warfare
-
S-MET competitors outline bids
The US Army’s Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport Increment II (S-MET II) is a follow-on from S-MET Increment I (S-MET I) and will provide a larger and more capable vehicle.
-
![Otokar inches towards Romania deal in major boost for the company]()
Otokar inches towards Romania deal in major boost for the company
The possible procurement of vehicles by Romania would build on the existing commercial presence which Otokar has in the country.
-
![Northrop Grumman adds AI to air defence controller for improved CUAS capability]()
Northrop Grumman adds AI to air defence controller for improved CUAS capability
Northrop Grumman’s Forward Area Air Defence (FAAD) Advanced Battle Manager (ABM) system continuously monitors the battlespace, replans engagements as necessary and supports multiple weapon types.
-
![Lithuania turns to Saab and Kongsberg to improve air defences]()
Lithuania turns to Saab and Kongsberg to improve air defences
Lithuania has placed a second order for Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) systems and expects to begin receiving systems from its first order next year.
-
![Singapore enhances air defence coverage for army forces in the field]()
Singapore enhances air defence coverage for army forces in the field
The adapted SPYDER system extends the reach and lethality of the air defence coverage of army units in their area of operations.
