India much more than just an important mkt for us: Cassidian

BANGALORE: Cassidian, the defence and security division of European EADS, regards India as more than just an important market and is investing in the country for a "comprehensive long-term" partnership, its Asia Head and CEO (India) Peter Gutsmiedl said today.

"We are investing in this country and its people for a comprehensive long-term partnership. We have already embarked on local development and production in India together with our industrial partners here," Gutsmiedl said.

"This enables us to offer customised solutions uniquely suited to India's needs," he said.

The opening of Cassidian Engineering Centre in Bangalore was a major step forward, he said. "It is the first defence oriented engineering centre owned by a foreign company in India and a living proof of our commitment to this country."

Cassidian will showcase (at the Aero India show beginning tomorrow), the High Accuracy Air Pressure Management System and the Structurally Integrated Antenna, which have been designed and engineered at the company's Engineering Centre here, he said.

Besides, Cassidian will display the Missile Approach Warning System (MILDS) co-developed with DRDO's Defence Avionics and Research Establishment (DARE), Gutsmiedl said at Aero India Seminar here.

From Cassidian global portfolio of UAVs, the company will also display man-portable, fixed wing, mini-UAV Tracker, Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV Harfang and tactical Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAV Tanan, he said.

Currently, around 60 Indian engineers, extensively trained in the company's European facilities, are working alongside specialists from abroad to design and engineer highly specialised defence and security technologies for domestic and export markets, he said.

Cassidian has a number of consultancy projects with DRDO. "We have a contract with DRDO to supply consultancy services for reviewing an indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system," he added.

In addition, Cassidian has successfully cooperated with DRDO's Defence Avionics and Research Establishment (DARE) to develop a Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) for Indian rotary and wide-body aircraft.

The sensor has been certified 'indigenous' by Indian authorities and is expected to be produced for integration with India's helicopter fleet, he said.