Telangana establishes defence bonhomie with Israel

Hyderabad: Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS), a joint venture between Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited based in India and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Limited of Israel, inaugurated their unit at Hardware Park on Srisailam Road on Thursday. The firm will be manufacturing anti-tank missiles called ‘Spike’ which would be made available to the Indian Armed Forces and will also be exported to other countries.

Minister for Information and Technology K.T. Rama Rao inaugurated the facility in the presence of Ambassador of Israel, Daniel Carmon, Maj Gen (Ret) Yoav Har-Even, President and CEO, Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, and Baba N. Kalyani, Chairman, Kalyani Group.

On the occasion, Minister K.T. Rama Rao said that Telangana has become a destination for defence and aerospace companies. “Some of the big names in the sector have set up their units in Telangana. This joint venture will bring cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and knowledge to our state, and enhance our premier position in the defence and aerospace sector,” he said.

Baba N. Kalyani, chairman, Kalyani Group, said, “This technology-based partnership is our endeavor to develop advanced defence systems and remote weapon system capabilities within India and is a testament to the increasing co-operation between Israel and India in a strategic sector.” He added that the company will be providing 300 jobs directly and another 1,000 jobs indirectly in the city.

Mr. Daniel Carmon, ambassador of Israel, said, “Israel has joined hands with India in making the ‘Make in India’ vision a reality with joint ventures such as this. Now celebrating 25 years, ours’ is a growing partnership built on deep mutual trust, shared values and shared interests.”