Aerospace Diary

DEFENCE NOTES Read more on Shephardmedia...... 21st June 2016 - 12:33 by  Neelam Mathews  in Delhi  On 20 June India announced radical reforms in numerous industries, including aviation and defence, by allowing 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) with immediate effect. Present rules permit 49% FDI participation in company equity under the automatic route. While most sectors are to be cleared under this avenue, except for a small negative list, clearances for the sensitive defence sector will continue on a case-by-case basis, though less stringent than in the past. ....

MARITIME SECURITY 10th April 2015 - 15:39 by  Neelam Mathews  in Delhi  Following a seven-year wait India’s Defence Acquisition Council has cleared the way for production of the Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SRSAM) for the Indian Navy. It has opened up the possibility of dialogue between manufacturer  MBDA  and the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) following a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to France and Germany on 9 April. The original project was called ‘Maitri’ and it envisioned development of truck-mounted SRSAMs for the Army to replace Russian Strella SAMs, Indian Air Force OSA-AKMs, and Indian Navy’s OSA-M.  Delay in a decision led to the Army and IAF purchasing indigenous 5.6m long, 25km range ‘Akash’ SAM. The IAF is inducting eight Akash squadrons, and the Army two regiments, of which one will be supplied shortly. Akash failed to meet the Navy’s requirements for the system that includes fire cont...

Neelam Mathews Aug 25, 2014 Our expectations from the Modi Government are reaping rewards already. Impatient industry people will be glad to hear that very soon services can be used for offsets. The previous government's hair-brained idea is out of the window. Hopefully this policy has come to stay and there will be some provision to ensure it is not being misused. Bringing in financial institutional funding too, could be a step in the right direction. We are also hearing, but could not confirm the new FDI structure will clarify that the Indian stake of 51% in a joint venture can be split, giving some relief and hopefully more investment in an industry that has failed to take off. As for 100% FDI, it will be on a case-to-case basis. Which is fair enough. Licensing is also being rationalized. Now we just hope politics will not come in the way of nation building.

As Aerospace Diary reported on Aug 24,-here’s a press release sent today Aug 29, 2012 Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on November 17, 2009 ,  Navratna Public Sector Company, Bharat Electronics Limited  (BEL)  and Thales   are delighted to announce that the Boards of both companies have approved the formation of a Joint Venture Company subject to statutory approvals of the Government of India and the French Government. The JVC will be dedicated to the design, development, marketing, supply and support of civilian and select defense radars for Indian and Global markets. The parent companies aim at making the Joint Venture Company a centre of excellence with the ability to offer solutions specifically aimed at meeting the needs of both Indian and export customers. In strict accordance with Indian regulations, Thales will hold 26% equity, the maximum allowable holding interest by any foreign company in the defence sec...