As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, I take this opportunity to reflect on the unique and enduring partnership between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and India. Over the past four decades, our nations have cultivated a relationship anchored in shared values, mutual trust and a common vision for advancing security and innovation. For IAI, India is a vital strategic partner, a steadfast ally and a cherished friend. Together, we are united by an unwavering commitment to protect our people and shaping a secure, forward-looking future.
What began as a traditional defence collaboration has evolved into a dynamic partnership. Today, our relationship is defined by genuine cooperation – through joint development, local manufacturing and the exchange of cutting-edge technologies. The path we have undertaken together stands as a powerful example of what is possible when two nations leverage their complementary strengths in pursuit of a shared mission.
IAI’s longstanding partnership with India’s Armed Forces is defined by landmark achievements and pioneering advancements in defence technologies. Among these, the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system stands out as a powerful emblem of Indo-Israeli defence cooperation. Co-developed with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced locally in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), the MRSAM has become a cornerstone of India’s defence architecture. Developed across the Army, Navy and Air Force, it now protects the nation’s skies and exemplifies the transformative potential of genuine technological cooperation.
IAI’s longstanding partnership with India’s Armed Forces is defined by landmark achievements and pioneering advancements in defence technologies. Among these, the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system stands out as a powerful emblem of Indo-Israeli defence cooperation
The MRSAM represents far more than a missile defence system. It is the foundation of a robust industrial ecosystem that IAI has helped to build in India. Through transfer of technology, local assembly and the development of high-skilled jobs, this collaboration directly supports the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. More broadly, it affirms a powerful truth: when we work together, we do more than co-develop advanced technologies, we build enduring capabilities that strengthen our industries, empower our people and serve the long-term interests of both countries.
Our collaboration extends well beyond the MRSAM program. IAI played a pivotal role across multiple strategic defence domains, contributing cutting-edge capabilities such as the Heron MK I and Heron MK II unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), advanced airborne warning and control systems (AWACS), and sophisticated radar technologies supporting both defense and homeland security. Our joint efforts also include loitering munitions such as HAROP and HARPY, advanced fire control radar systems (ADFCR), and mission aircraft tailored to India’s specific needs. Together, these initiatives reflect the extent, depth and enduring strength of our partnership.
The Make in India initiative is at the heart of IAI’s strategy. We recognise that self-reliance is not just a matter of national pride, but also a vital pillar of operational readiness and long-term resilience amid an increasingly complex security landscape. In recent years, IAI has invested heavily in creating a strong local presence to enable the production, maintenance and lifecycle support of advanced systems directly in India.
Our local subsidiaries and joint ventures play a key role in this approach. Today, IAI operates through six core entities in India: Aerospace Services India (ASI), HELA Systems, BEL IAI Aerosystems (BIA), ELT-X, IAI India and ELCOM. Each of these companies plays a critical role in building an ecosystem of manufacturing, repair, and technological development within India.
- ASI (Aerospace Services India): Serves as the exclusive technical representative for MRSAM, providing localised support, spare parts and maintenance services. By conducting business in Indian Rupees and employing nearly 100 professionals (97% of whom are Indian nationals), ASI demonstrates our commitment to strengthening India’s indigenous capabilities.
- HELA Systems: A centre dedicated to the maintenance and upgrade of advanced radar systems, ensuring that India’s defence forces have access to world-class operational readiness.
- BIA (BEL IAI Aerosystems): A joint venture with BEL, established as a centre of excellence for maintaining advanced defence platforms.
- ELT-X: A partnership with DCX to develop and manufacture radar components and ground-based solutions within India.
- IAI India and ELCOM: Key players in expanding our supply chain and integrating advanced technologies with local expertise.
These ventures embody our commitment to Make in India, as they transfer technology, knowledge, skills and infrastructure. By empowering local companies and the workforce, we are building capabilities that will serve India’s defence sector for generations.
At IAI, our global workforce of over 15,000 people is comprised of about 50 percent engineers. We aim to harness this deep expertise to establish a manufacturing hub in India capable of producing world-class defence systems set to serve India’s needs, while supporting export markets and in full alignment with the country’s strategic objectives.
India’s unique blend of technical acumen, a vibrant startup ecosystem and a dynamic public-private defence sector, positions it as an ideal location for such a hub. Our vision is to expand collaboration with local industry, academic institutions and research institutions to accelerate the development of next-generation technologies and ensure that India remains at the forefront of global defence innovation.
Innovation is central to IAI’s collaboration with India and our NeuSPHERE Innovation Acceleration Programme is a key expression of that commitment. Designed to support deep-tech startups tackling critical challenges in defence and civilian sectors, NeuSPHERE identifies top talent, provides expert mentorship, testing resources and integration opportunities within IAI’s global innovation network. The first cohort selected five standout startups from nearly 90 applicants and the next phase is already in motion. More than a technology accelerator, NeuSPHERE builds bridges between Israeli expertise and Indian ingenuity, further advancing local R&D, fostering knowledge transfer and supporting the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat through meaningful, homegrown innovation.
The global geopolitical environment has become increasingly complex, with both Israel and India facing security threats that demand advanced, reliable solutions. Our shared experiences in navigating these challenges have only strengthened our resolve to develop systems that protect our people, secure our borders and preserve peace.
Innovation is central to IAI’s collaboration with India and our NeuSPHERE Innovation Acceleration Programme is a key expression of that commitment. Designed to support deep-tech startups tackling critical challenges in defence and civilian sectors, NeuSPHERE identifies top talent, provides expert mentorship, testing resources and integration opportunities within IAI’s global innovation network
IAI’s longstanding presence in India has enabled us to respond quickly and effectively to the country’s evolving defence needs. Whether in air defence, radar technologies or UAS, we have consistently adapted our solutions to meet India’s unique operational requirements, demonstrating the agility and commitment that define a true strategic partner, not merely a supplier. Looking ahead, we are committed to building on the strong foundation forged over the past four decades. Our vision includes deepening joint ventures, scaling local manufacturing and expanding R&D investments that reinforce both national and regional security, while advancing our shared pursuit of innovation and self-reliance.
Our partnership with India’s armed forces and defence industry is grounded in a shared belief: through innovation, collaboration and mutual trust, we can accomplish far more together than any one nation could alone. We are proud to stand alongside India – not just as a provider of technology, but as a dedicated ally committed to supporting its long-term security, self-reliance and strategic success.
India’s Independence Day is a powerful reminder of the values of freedom, resilience and determination, principles that deeply resonate with us at IAI and shape every partnership we pursue. As President and CEO, I am proud of what we have accomplished together with India and I am even more excited by the possibilities waiting ahead. Together, we will continue to drive innovation, strengthen the Make in India ecosystem and deliver world-class solutions that address both today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges. On behalf of IAI, I extend my heartfelt wishes on this Independence Day. It is an honour to stand beside India as a partner, an ally and a friend.
The writer is the President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a world-leading aerospace and defence company innovating and delivering cutting-edge technologies in space, air, land, naval, cyber and homeland security for defence and commercial markets
