Israel Matzav: India buys $1.1 billion weapons system from Israel

India buys $1.1 billion weapons system from Israel

Indian Chief of Staff Gen. Deepak Kapoor (pictured with IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi) has been in Israel since Saturday, and that visit paid off on Monday, with India agreeing to buy a $1.1 billion seaborne tactical air defense system from Israel.

Made by state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., the Barak-8 is designed for use aboard ships and can shoot down incoming missiles, planes and drones. The most advanced version can be also deployed on land, the Israeli official said.

India has already acquired an earlier generation of the Barak system, the official said.

The Barak-8 contract was signed in April, and delivery of the systems will take place "over the next six to eight years".

Israel has overtaken Russia as India's largest military supplier.

Israel and India enjoy close defense ties and Israel last year overtook Russia as the number-one supplier of military platforms to India after breaking the $1 billion mark in new contracts signed annually.

According to press reports, India is interested in working with Israel on submarine-launched cruise missiles, ballistic missile defense systems, laser-guided systems, satellites as well as unmanned aerial vehicles.

Israel has also helped India beef up its security since last year's coordinated terror attacks in Mumbai.

This looks like a win-win situation for both countries.

Israel Matzav: India buys $1.1 billion weapons system from Israel