Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu. Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) ELTA Systems, in partnership with DCX Systems Ltd., May 5 marked a significant milestone for the Companys’ joint venture, ELTX Systems Pvt. Ltd. with the break ground of a new radar manufacturing facility at the Shoolagiri Industrial Area in Tamil Nadu, India. The break ground ceremony was attended by leadership from ELTA and DCX Systems, alongside government officials, industry representatives and key stakeholders.
The new facility represents a major step in advancing India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (“Make in India”) vision, reinforcing the country’s strategic shift toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing. It is designed to serve as a centre for the manufacturing, integration and testing of advanced radar systems, supporting both domestic and international defence requirements, while significantly strengthening India’s indigenous design, development and production capabilities.
ELTX Systems is designed to enable the transfer of knowledge and advanced technologies of high-end defence systems, including airborne radars and ground-based systems. The joint venture reflects a shared commitment to localising critical capabilities, deepening industrial cooperation and supporting India’s ambition to become a global hub for advanced defence manufacturing.
The facility is designed with scalable infrastructure and will operate under stringent quality and security standards to meet evolving operational requirements. Through ELTX Systems, the partnership aims to support various Armed Forces programmes.
Construction of the facility is expected to be completed by April 2027, with production planned to commence shortly thereafter. Once operational, it will enhance capabilities in surveillance and threat detection while contributing to the development of a robust local ecosystem through collaboration with suppliers, startups and academic institutions.
Boaz Levy, IAI President and CEO, said, “This break ground marks another significant milestone in IAI’s expanding activity in India, carried out in close partnership with the local industry and in full alignment with the Government’s ‘Make in India’ vision. We are proud to take part in joint initiatives that strengthen the defence capabilities of both nations. This collaboration also reflects our shared commitment to advancing technological innovation, fostering local expertise, and further strengthening the long-term strategic partnership between our countries.”
Dr H S Raghavendra Rao, Chairman and Managing Director of DCX Systems, added,
“This joint venture exemplifies our shared vision of combining global expertise with local manufacturing capabilities. The new facility will enable faster delivery timelines, deeper value addition, and greater alignment with national defence priorities.”
IAI has made substantial and sustained investments in India’s defence ecosystem as part of its long-term commitment to supporting the country’s self-reliance goals. These efforts are focused on empowering India to independently operate, maintain and enhance its defence systems through job creation, work force upskilling, and the development of a robust local manufacturing base.
In recent years, IAI has launched its Indian subsidiary, Aerospace Services; established a partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi; initiated collaboration with Indian deep-tech startups through an Innovation Acceleration Programme and most recently inaugurated a facility in Hyderabad to enhance localised Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities for advanced radar systems, reducing turnaround times for India’s Armed Forces.
For over four decades, IAI has built strong partnerships with India and its Armed Forces, delivering advanced technologies and strategic systems, including air and missile defence systems, unmanned aerial systems, satellites, radars and intelligence solutions, many of which are operational across India’s tri-services and government agencies.
ELTX Systems Pvt. Ltd. is a joint venture between ELTA Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and DCX Systems Ltd., India. Established as part of a long-term strategic partnership, the company focuses on the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced radar systems, combining proven operational expertise with cutting-edge technologies to support defence and strategic customers in India and worldwide.
