BEL, Israel's Rafael to produce missile components

NEW DEL: Leading Israeli armament manufacturer Rafael has decided to outsource production of components of its short-range missiles to Bharat Electronics Ltd and is considering widening the partnership at a later stage.

"We have signed a preliminary agreement with Bharat Electronics to produce parts of missiles, missile electronics and guidance system," Rafael's communication manager Gila Harel told media here.

According to the pact, BEL will produce the components of missiles in India with technical collaboration of Rafael for all three wings of the forces the Army, Air Force and Navy.

The product range includes air-to-air missile, surface-to-air missile, anti-tank missile etc. The agreement was signed during the just concluded Defence Expo.

"Details of the agreement are yet to be worked out. But we will transfer the knowledge and provide BEL all necessary technical help to produce the missile components," she said.

Harel said if the agreement and partnership goes well in future, then there is every possibility of Rafael joining hands with BEL to produce its all ranges of missiles in India itself.