Elbit Systems and Alpha Design and Adani Aero Defense companies of India announced today (March 30, 2016) they are working towards an agreement to build Hermes 900 and Hermes 450 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in India, for domestic customers and for export. ‘The companies intend to create a tiered vendor base for supporting, indigenization and localisation requirements and seeks to set up a final assembly and integration line including maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities” the announcement said.
The two companies are likely to offer the Israeli UAV solution for the Indian Army requirement for tactical drones.
[ismember]Elbit Systems’ business philosophy encourages partnerships with local industries and the utilization of regional capabilities. The Company has already established partnerships with a number of leading Indian companies, including Hindustan Aircraft, Bharat Electronics and Bharat Forge.
The two companies have a long record of successful projects in India, some are displayed this week at Defexpo, including an upgrading project for T-72 tanks and BMP-2 armored fighting vehicles, that includes a number of vectronic and electro-optical systems, as well as subcontracting work for Lizard guided weapons, both processed under the Indian offset program.
Following the changes in policy that the Indian market is undergoing due to the “Make in India” program, the regulatory environment is now more open to cooperation, and cooperation is part of Elbit Systems’ DNA. “As a high technology company Elbit Systems’ vision is to achieve operational excellence in its target markets, India being one of them.” said Bezhalel Butzi Machlis, President & CEO of Elbit Systems. “We see the “Make in India” program as a unique opportunity to contribute to making India a global manufacturing center.” Machlis added that Elbit Systems is determined to establish a strong leadership position in the Indian market in each of its core businesses.[/ismember]
Hermes 900 and Hermes 450 share many common attributes, both on the platform and ground operations and support infrastructure. The fleet of hermes drones has a track record of over 500,000 accumulated flight hours. Among the key capabilities offered by the Hermes 900 are longer endurance, flight altitude of 30,000 ft. and a large payload capacity (up to 350kg).
A unique 2.5 meter long internal payload bay is provided, capable of accommodating up to 250 kg and allowing quick modular payload installation and replacement, as well as additional payload installation capacity including four hard points under the wings. The UAS includes innovative avionics and electronic systems, a low noise engine, as well as solutions that can be offered for sense and avoid capabilities and safe integration of the UAS into the relevant air space.
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