Israel’s IAI teams with Alpha Design Technologies to produce mini-UAVs in India

Bird-Eye 400 photo IAI

Feb 11, 2015 Defence-Update

The agreement covers local production of IAI's Bird-Eye 400 and Bird-Eye 650 mini UAS as well as other mini-unmanned aerial systems

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and India’s Alpha Design Technologies have signed a teaming agreement for the production and marketing of mini-Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in India to accommodate the operational needs of Indian customers. Potential customers in India include security agencies and all defense organizations including police forces, coastguard and Border Security Forces (BSF).

According to Shaul Shahar, IAI VP and General Manager of the Military Aircraft Group, the agreement with Alpha follows India’s policy for ‘Buy and make India’. “The important vision of ‘Make in India’ is being made fully effective by this joint effort. Alpha will meet the huge market in India and will examine further, later exports by Alpha, through IAI to various countries”. Col. H. S. Shankar, Chairman & Managing Director, Alpha Design Technologies Private Limited, added.

The agreement covers local production of IAI’s Bird-Eye 400 and Bird-Eye 650 mini UAS as well as other mini-unmanned aerial systems. Production of the systems will take place in India, while the marketing will be a joint effort of the two companies. Alpha Alpha will also provide integration of the systems in India, with IAI’s support.