The STATE OF ISRAEL came into being in 1948 and India recognised it in 1950, but diplomatic relations were not established due to India’s non-aligned and pro-Arab policy.
The STATE OF ISRAEL came into being in 1948 and India recognised it in 1950, but diplomatic relations were not established due to India’s non-aligned and pro-Arab policy. However, in 1992, India formally established diplomatic relations with Israel and since then has signed a number of agreements on economic, scientific, agricultural and cultural matters. Both the countries share a strong economic, military and strategic relationship. India shares some common strategic and security threats with Israel and its desire to get closer to the US has also helped in moving the ties forward. Three mutual strategic interests that have enhanced defence and security ties include the fight against terrorism and radical Islam, concerns over proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and long-range missile technology, and the growing interest of the two states in the Indian Ocean. India’s condemnation of Israeli policies in the Palestinian territories has not affected the relationship. India is also the largest buyer of Israeli military equipment and second to the russian Federation in being India’s supplier of defence equipment. The defence business has already crossed $9 billon (Rs.45,000 crore) and is growing.
Indo-israeli naval Cooperation Super Dvora ::
In 1997, India purchased ramta two Super Dvora Mark II attack boats from IAI and got the licence to build the remaining at Goa Shipyard in collaboration with Ramta. A total of seven are in service. The Super Dvora Mark II is a high-speed class of patrol boats meant for a variety of naval missions from typical offshore coastal patrol mission profiles to high-speed, high-manoeuvre littoral warfare. Super Dvora Mark III is the latest generation of the Dvora family of fast patrol boats or fast attack crafts (FPB/FAC), manufactured by IAI ramta and are capable of speeding up to 50 knots (93 km/h) in littoral waters. They could also be used by the Coast Guard.
In 1997, India purchased ramta two Super Dvora Mark II attack boats from IAI and got the licence to build the remaining at Goa Shipyard in collaboration with Ramta. A total of seven are in service. The Super Dvora Mark II is a high-speed class of patrol boats meant for a variety of naval missions from typical offshore coastal patrol mission profiles to high-speed, high-manoeuvre littoral warfare. Super Dvora Mark III is the latest generation of the Dvora family of fast patrol boats or fast attack crafts (FPB/FAC), manufactured by IAI ramta and are capable of speeding up to 50 knots (93 km/h) in littoral waters. They could also be used by the Coast Guard.
Barak SAM System ::
Barak-1: Barak surface-to-air missile (SAM) system is designed to replace or complement gun-based close-in weapon systems such as the Phalanx gun system. The concept being that the aerial threat is engaged at successive ranges with guns and missiles.
Barak-1: Barak surface-to-air missile (SAM) system is designed to replace or complement gun-based close-in weapon systems such as the Phalanx gun system. The concept being that the aerial threat is engaged at successive ranges with guns and missiles.
The missiles are mounted in an eight celcontainer and are vertically launched. The radar system provides 360 degree coverage and the missiles can take down an incoming missile at a dead zone of 500 metres away from the ship. Lack of an effective anti-missile defence (AMD) system with the Indian Naval ships emerged after the Kargil operations.
This operational gap was known earlier but prompted by the Kargil crisis. The Government of India approved the procurement of Barak I system for $300 million (Rs.1,500 crore). Barak’s quick response time, effectiveness against incoming missile attack and its compact size made it an effective AMD system. however, its short-range of about 10 km is a limitation and thus it was an interim solution.
Barak-Next Generation (NG): To fill the gap between Barak-1 and the beyond visual range (BVr) air threat, during 2006, India and Israel signed a joint agreement for the development of a new Barak-NG medium ship borne air defense missile with a projected range of about 70 km. Barak-NG is being evolved from Barak-1 system. Barak- NG or Barak-8 is also being called mediumrange surface-to-air missile (Mr SAM) when the scope of the project was enlarged in 2007 to meet the requirements of the Indian Army and the IAF. The DrDO is the prime developer for India with the Israel Aerospace Industries as the key partner to contribute most of the applicable technology, just as russia did for the BrahMos.
The project is reported to have a financial outlay of $300 million (Rs.1,500 crore) for the design and development phase which is being shared equally between both the countries. The Indian Navy plans to mount only medium-long-range SAMs on future warships as short-range systems can only provide point defence to a ship but does not provide layered defence or fleet defence. Such a system is very much required for a blue water navy and a logical complement to India’s carrier force.
When Barak-NG/Mr-SAM projects fructify, they will provide India with the latest missile technology, an effective SAM system and bring India and Israel closer. It will also help the Israelis build a new system that meets some of their own emerging requirements. It may well turn out as the largest joint defence development project ever undertaken between India and any other country.
A couple of tests have already been undertaken. There is also a report of the development of a ground based long-range SAM of 120 km range.
UAV’s ::
Searcher and Heron: The Indian Navy has acquired SearcherMk2 and heron Mk2 UAVs for carrying out maritime surveillance and they also contribute to coastal intelligence. Israel Aerospace Industries’ Searcher is reconnaissance UAV for gathering intelligence. It has a maximum speed of about 200 kmph, altitude ceiling of 6100 m and endurance of 18 hours. heron is a medium-altitude long-endurance UAV developed by the Malat (UAV) division of Israel Aerospace Industries. It is capable of medium-altitude long-endurance (MALe) operations of up to 52 hours’ duration at up to 35,000 feet. It has demonstrated 52 hours of continuous flight, but the effective operational maximal flight duration is less, due to payload and flight profile.
Searcher and Heron: The Indian Navy has acquired SearcherMk2 and heron Mk2 UAVs for carrying out maritime surveillance and they also contribute to coastal intelligence. Israel Aerospace Industries’ Searcher is reconnaissance UAV for gathering intelligence. It has a maximum speed of about 200 kmph, altitude ceiling of 6100 m and endurance of 18 hours. heron is a medium-altitude long-endurance UAV developed by the Malat (UAV) division of Israel Aerospace Industries. It is capable of medium-altitude long-endurance (MALe) operations of up to 52 hours’ duration at up to 35,000 feet. It has demonstrated 52 hours of continuous flight, but the effective operational maximal flight duration is less, due to payload and flight profile.
Developing of Unmanned Helicopter It has been reported that India and Israel have begun joint development of an unmanned helicopter capable of operating from a ship. It will have an automated takeoff and landing systems for use on unprepared fields on land and from aircraft carriers at sea. It is understood to have been jointly developed by the hindustan Aeronautics Limited (hAL) and Israel Aerospace Industries’ UAV division, Malat. The rotary wing UAV will also have dual automated sophisticated operating systems for enhanced safety. It will be capable of carrying necessary radar payloads.
Upgrade of Aircraft ::
Sea Harrier: The current upgrade programme will involve new IAI elta eL/M-2032 multi-mode fire control radars, rafael’s Derby short-medium-range air-air missiles, plus combat manoeuvring flight recorders and digital cockpit voice recorders. During 2007, the Indian Navy launched a mid-life upgrade programme for its Sea harriers through hAL.
Sea Harrier: The current upgrade programme will involve new IAI elta eL/M-2032 multi-mode fire control radars, rafael’s Derby short-medium-range air-air missiles, plus combat manoeuvring flight recorders and digital cockpit voice recorders. During 2007, the Indian Navy launched a mid-life upgrade programme for its Sea harriers through hAL.
The programme involved extending the life by 15 years until 2023, fitting of elta Systems eL/M-2032 multimode fire control radars and rafael Derby BVr air-to-air missiles. The eL/M-2032 is an advanced multi-mode airborne fire control radar, designed for multi-mission fighters and oriented for both air-to-air and strike missions.
The eL/M-2032 greatly enhances the air-to-air, air-to-ground and air-to-sea capabilities of the aircraft. rafael’s Derby is a fully developed BVr air-to-air missile. The missile offers excellent performance and manoeuvrability in both medium- and short-range engagements. The missile is also offered in an air defence configuration.
Maritime surveillance ::
There are reports of Israel assisting in the upgrade of maritime surveillance aircraft, maritime surveillance helicopters and ships including aircraft carrier Virat. The areas of expertise of Israel are electronic warfare, sensors, and command and control systems.
There are reports of Israel assisting in the upgrade of maritime surveillance aircraft, maritime surveillance helicopters and ships including aircraft carrier Virat. The areas of expertise of Israel are electronic warfare, sensors, and command and control systems.
Gabriel-III Sea-skimming Anti-ship Missiles The Indian Navy is equipped with Israel Aerospace Industries’ Gabriel III sea skimming anti-ship missiles. The range reported is more than 60 km and is a fire and forget missile. The guidance system of the Gabriel III enables it to fly so low that it must be preset according to the current size of the waves. Thus it is extremely difficult to detect the missile on time to take evasive action.
Boost to Indo-Israeli Naval Ties ::
Indo-Israeli ties got another boost with the visit of the Indian Naval Chief Admiral N.K. Verma to Israel during October 2010. During his visit, he held discussions with Israeli Defence Minister ehud Barak, Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi and Navy Chief eliezer Marom.
Indo-Israeli ties got another boost with the visit of the Indian Naval Chief Admiral N.K. Verma to Israel during October 2010. During his visit, he held discussions with Israeli Defence Minister ehud Barak, Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi and Navy Chief eliezer Marom.
The talks focused on joint development projects including the potential sale of the jointly manufactured defence equipment to other countries. Joint research and development with Israel on the areas of UAVs, submarine based cruise missile, precision- guided munitions and third-generation night-vision devices were high on the agenda. Joint development of Barak- NG/Mr-SAM is already in progress.
The Indian Navy has also conducted goodwill visits by its ships to Israel and frequent exchange of senior officers from the defence forces. The Ministry of Defence also highlights the importance both countries give to their mutual relationship.
People-to-people exchange is also being carried out where a large number of young Israelis visit India for a holiday. India is now the second top export destination for Israel, next only to the US. Bilateral trade has grown manifold from $80 million (Rs.400 crore) in 1991 to about $5 billion (Rs.25,000 crore) in 2010. India’s Ambassador to Israel, Navtej Sarna, said recently, “India-Israel relations continue to develop strongly in several areas, including agriculture, trade, water resources and cutting-edge technologies”. Defence ties only add to these relations.
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