India plans to buy additional unmanned air vehicles (UAV) from Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI). The potential value of the planned deals is estimated at $250 million.
Israeli sources say the new deals were discussed during Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon's visit to India last week.
India will buy more Searcher 2 and Heron UAVs and a variety of payloads. These UAVs are already operating along the India-Pakistan border. IAI's previous UAV sales to India are valued at $300 million and have included the Harpy anti-radiation drone and intelligence-gathering UAVs.
Indian sources say Malat, IAI's UAV division, has supplied the country's armed forces with 10 Searcher 2 short-range systems and with at least six Heron high-altitude, long-endurance systems. Other smaller, closer range UAVs may have also been included in the earlier deals.
The Indians have already acquired relay capabilities for both systems, to allow operations in mountainous areas.
Meanwhile, India is poised to buy six Mil Mi-17 helicopters for border guards along the India-Pakistan border. Initial machines are due this month.
It is believed the helicopters will be built by the UUAZ factory in Ulan-Ude, and are to be fitted with a rear ramp, instead of the standard clamshell doors, and a redesigned nose.
Source: Flight International
