Mahindra & Mahindra signs JV with Telephonics to tap Indian defense market

Telecom Lead India:
Mahindra & Mahindra has signed a joint venture pact with Telephonics
Corporation (Telephonics) to tap Indian defense market.

The joint venture will provide the Indian Ministry of Defense
and the Indian Civil sector with radar and surveillance systems, Identification
Friend or Foe (IFF) devices, and communication systems.

The U.S.-based Telephonics specializes in aircraft
intercommunication systems, wireless communication systems, radar,
identification friend or foe products, integrated security systems, air traffic
management systems, aerospace electronics, and threat analysis and management.

In addition, the JV will offer systems for Air Traffic
Management Services, Homeland Security, and other emerging surveillance
requirements.

Mahindra-Telephonics Integrated Systems will set up a manufacturing
plant in Bangalore, which will initially manufacture and service airborne radar
systems that are already being supplied to Hindustan Aeronautics and support
airborne maritime surveillance systems for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.

Telephonics supplies RDR-1400 weather avoidance radar
systems for helicopters being built in Bangalore, India. It is also contracted
to supply Boeing with APS-143C 3 multi-mode Radar for India’s P-8i
Maritime Surveillance aircraft, and is responsible for installation of a
sophisticated intercommunication system for the C-17 Globemaster contracted by
the Indian Air Force.

Mahindra-Telephonics will license technology from
Telephonics for use on a wide range of products that has both defence and civil
applications.

Telephonics has developed IFF MK-XII system, which has the
capability to integrate with civil and military aircraft, as well as ground and
sea based IFF systems.

Telephonics’ experience with respect to these systems in
other countries will provide a platform for the JV to meet the emerging Indian
customized civil and military requirements of a National IFF Program.
Telephonics has also developed secure communication systems which may be
deployed on a variety of ground and airborne platforms. Telephonics has an
established presence in the Indian defense and civil markets.

The JV will be the first private sector company in India to
manufacture airborne and maritime radars utilizing licensed technology. Nearly
100 percent indigenous capability is expected to be achieved in the near
future. The JV will also be strategically poised to develop future technologies
for civil and military applications.

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