Tatas, EADS JV to bid for $1 bn defence deal

Tata Advance Systems has entered into an alliance with European defence and aerospace consortium EADS to bid for the Indian Army's $1 billion advanced tactical communications system project. The project is expected to be announced later this year.

Tata Advanced Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Industries along with Tata technology companies (Tata Consultancy Services and Tata Power SED) is joining forces with EADS Defence & Security (EADS DS), a global defence Lead Systems Integrator. The technology partners are Tata entities, Raytheon and Precision Electronics.

The proposed $1 billion Indian Army Tactical Communications System is intended to replace the current AREN system with the latest and most sophisticated technologies, making it a fully mobile communication system.

The new system would put the Indian Army at par with the most sophisticated tactical mobile systems being developed for deployment around the globe.

Ratan N Tata, chairman, Tata Group, said, "The Tatas recognise the significance of this project of national importance. With a view to leverage the capabilities of several Tata companies, we propose to implement the project through a new umbrella company - Tata Advanced Systems Limited. We believe that the above approach will synergise the group's relevant capabilities and provide a single interface for the Indian Army."

Stefan Zoller, CEO of EADS Defence and Security said, "EADS Defence & Security and TATA can design and deliver one of the most sophisticated battlefield communications systems in the world, and at the same time, make a significant contribution to India's high tech economy."

Tata Advanced Systems, and other TATA partners will be responsible for project management, security, software development, production, integration and delivery.

EADS DS will act as system design authority and be responsible for the network architectural design and integration on the programme through its Chief Technical Officer from their Systems Design Centre.

Raytheon will be responsible for radio systems design and Precision Electronics for support in production, evaluation, security and integration.

In another development, Tata Advanced Systems announced that it is jointly exploring opportunities with Urban Aeronautics from Israel for marketing and manufacturing of unmanned aerial vehicles based on UrbanAero's patented Fancraft technology for the Indian market.

A Tata Advanced Systems spokesperson, said: "Tata Advanced Systems is pleased to be associated with Urban Aeronautics, which is developing innovative unmanned vehicles based on its patented Fancraft technology. We believe these unmanned vehicles can have multiple applications for defence and civilian applications in India."