Israel Aerospace Industries' Barak-8 missile system is the focus of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that has been signed by the company and India's Bharat Electronics (BEL).
The Barak-8 is a long-range anti-air and anti-missile naval defence system being developed jointly by IAI and India's Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). Designed to defend ships from aircraft, unmanned air systems and anti-ship missiles, the missile is expected to enter service with the Indian navy during 2013.
In January 2006, India and Israel signed a $350 million agreement to co-develop a new generation long-range surface-to-air missile for the former's navy, and Israel in April 2009 received a $1.1 billion order to deliver Barak-8 systems. Deliveries are expected to be concluded by 2017.
IAI has for several years been engaged in joint development programmes with the DRDO and India's defence industry for the nation's navy and air force, including the joint manufacturing of subsystems.
According to the new MoU, BEL will function as the lead integrator and produce major subsystems for the Barak-8. IAI will continue to act as the design authority and to produce other subsystems as a main subcontractor to the Indian firm.
Barak-8 missiles will be installed on the three Project 15A Kolkata-class guided-missile destroyers under construction at the Mazagon shipyard in India. Delivery of the first vessel is scheduled for 2013.
Source: Flight International
