Reports indicated that Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) and Thales from France have worked out a proposal to jointly produce radars. The final agreement is likely to be signed in one or two years. BEL has been exploring avenues of partnerships with overseas companies to develop capabilities in areas such as missile electronics, guidance systems, microwave super components, electro-optics and airborne electronic warfare systems. Towards this end, BEL has signed agreements with a private-sector company Astra Microwave Products, Hyderabad, for microwave components; with Boeing, Chicago, for joint development of an analysis and experimentation center in India; with Israel Aerospace Industries and Elisra, Israeli firms, to jointly develop UAVs and airborne electronic warfare systems, among other equipment1.

• 1. “Thales, India's BEL To Co-Produce Radar Systems,” at http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4068599&c=ASI&s=TOP