The U.S Wants More Chunks of Indian Defence Market

The U.S Wants More Chunks of Indian Defence Market

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The Indian market for advanced weapon systems has been for years one with a very big potential for the Israeli defence industries.

This has irritated some officials in Washington and the American defence industries that have established an unprecedented presence in this market.

Politics have been playing a major role in this competition, and therefore each change in the Indian political atmosphere is meaningful for the defence companies of the U.S and Israel.

There are many signs that the defence establishments of the U.S and India have moved closer in recent months, and that of course may affect New Delhi’s decisions on additional purchases.

The Indian military has been exposed to Israeli advanced defence technologies. This has been demonstrated by the joint program to develop the ship carried Barak-8 missile, by a discontinued project to turn a manned helicopter to an unmanned system, by acquiring the Green Pine radar which is part of the Israeli Arrow anti ballistic defence system, and by other , highly classified programs.

In recent weeks, the U.S administration and defence companies have been trying to win some large tenders issued by the Indian ministry of defence. Israel has exported some very advanced weapon systems to India after they proved to be superior compared with the competition.

One example is the Rafael Litening system carried by the India air force fighter aircraft.

Israeli sources told I-HLS that the political pressure coming from Washington may make the Indian market very “complicated”, adding that support from the Israeli government may help.

The situation is critical as India has made a decision to invest huge sums of money in new advanced weapon systems, and more tenders are expected in the coming months.