The enduring partnership between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and India stands out as a model of resilience and collaboration in the aerospace and defence sectors. For nearly 40 years, IAI and India’s aerospace and defence ecosystem have cultivated a strategic partnership rooted in trust and collaboration – a testament to the power of mutual respect and a vision for progress that transcends borders. Together, we have addressed complex challenges and driven innovation in defence and aerospace technologies.
This partnership is more than transactional. It is a strategic alliance grounded in balancing strengths and a shared vision of technological advancement, security, and self-reliance. For IAI, India is a durable partner, not just a market. The milestones achieved in this collaboration – from cutting-edge missile systems to localised defence solutions – underscore its significance and potential for even greater achievements.
With my background as an Air Force navigator and squadron commander, I have experienced firsthand the critical necessity of rapid response, repair and maintenance, and local training. Therefore, my team and I ensure that our partners in India have the best service possible in these areas. We have also taken our collaboration with the Indian defence ecosystem further via numerous projects, which include different levels of ‘Make in India’ – Aatmanirbhar Bharat. We hope and believe that this provides a fundamental peace of mind to our counterparts who rest assured witnessing the immense efforts and investment IAI makes in India.
One of the most notable accomplishments of this partnership is the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, jointly developed with the DRDO, exemplifying what can be achieved when two nations pool their expertise. This advanced system has become a part of India’s defence infrastructure, serving its Navy, Air Force, and Army with capabilities tailored to address modern threats.
India’s vision of self-reliance aligns closely with IAI’s strategy of supporting local capabilities and fostering impactful innovation. Programs like NeuSPHERE exemplify this alignment. Through NeuSPHERE, IAI partners with Indian startups to co-develop advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and autonomous systems
However, developing systems is only part of the equation. Superior operational readiness is equally critical, and IAI has invested in local subsidiaries like Aerospace Services India (ASI) and HELA Systems. These entities provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services within India, reducing turnaround times and ensuring the continuous availability of critical defence systems. This localised approach demonstrates IAI’s commitment to addressing India’s unique needs with concrete, on-the-ground support.
India’s vision of self-reliance aligns closely with IAI’s strategy of supporting local capabilities and fostering impactful innovation. Programs like NeuSPHERE exemplify this alignment. Through NeuSPHERE, IAI partners with Indian startups to co-develop advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and autonomous systems. By providing access to resources and expertise, these collaborations enable startups to refine their innovations and scale globally, benefiting both local and international ecosystems.
The aerospace sector is indispensable to modern defence. It underpins national security, maintaining strategic advantages and responding effectively to evolving threats. From UAVs to radar systems, aerospace technologies form the backbone of robust defence frameworks. IAI’s contributions, such as the work conducted at HELA Systems in Hyderabad, underscore the importance of localised solutions that enhance operational readiness while delivering cost efficiencies. These efforts support agility and preparedness for any scenario.
Beyond defence, dual-use technologies are shaping the future of this collaboration. Innovations such as edge computing, green energy solutions, and autonomous systems are revolutionising defence and unlocking new opportunities in civilian applications. For example, green energy solutions developed for defence purposes are now finding broader industrial applications, illustrating the transformative potential of this collaboration.
An example of this multidimensional approach is our CSR collaboration with IIT Delhi. This initiative combines the academic rigor of one of India’s premier institutions with IAI’s industrial expertise to tackle critical applied research challenges. The research developed through this partnership can extend benefits across defence and civilian sectors, addressing critical societal needs while advancing technological progress.
As we look toward Aero India 2025, IAI is proud to showcase the outcomes and possibilities of this enduring partnership. From advanced UAVs to next-generation radar systems, the technologies developed through this collaboration reflect a shared commitment to addressing modern challenges while anticipating future needs. Aero India will also serve as a platform to explore new avenues for collaboration, ensuring that our partnership continues to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.
The relationship between IAI and India is grounded in shared strategic goals and mutual respect. Aerospace and defence technologies are not merely tools of security; they are catalysts for progress and innovation. Together, we are achieving a standard of international excellence that exemplifies the best of bilateral cooperation.
–The writer is Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), leading the company’s business growth worldwide. IAI is a world-leading aerospace and defence company innovating and delivering state-of-the-art technologies in space, air, land, naval, cyber and homeland security for defence and commercial markets
-The writer is Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), leading the company's business growth worldwide. IAI is a world-leading aerospace and defence company innovating and delivering state-of-the-art technologies in space, air, land, naval, cyber and homeland security for defence and commercial markets
