Israel’s defence and homeland security company Elbit Systems Ltd has taken a 44 % stake in Atharva Advanced Systems and Technologies Ltd, an arm of Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Ltd.

Adani Defence Arm

Adani Defence, and Elbit Systems had signed an agreement for the Israeli firm to take the 44 % stake in Atharva Advanced Systems. Adani Defence now holds 56 % stake in its arm Atharva Advanced Systems. Elbit Systems Ltd (ESL) is based in Israel’s Haifa, and is engaged in the business of research, design, development, engineering, manufacturing, assembly, sale, and maintenance of systems and products to the defence market.

India’s First UAVs Manufacturing Facility

Adani Defence has set up India’s first UAVs manufacturing facility, is the country’s first private sector small arms manufacturing facility, and is currently in the process of setting up India’s first comprehensive aircraft MRO (Maintenance, Repaid and Overhaul) facility in Nagpur. The company says that with the emerging threat of rogue drones, it has taken an initiative of implementing counter-drone systems for both defence and civil applications.

Hermes 900

Elbit Systems offers a comprehensive range of UAS – from the man-portable Skylar LEX mini UAS, through the versatile tactical UAS and up to the next-generation Hermes 900 medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAS.

Hermes 900 Starliner Drones In Indian Army

“Induction of Heron MK-II and planned induction of Hermes 900 Starliners will not only boost the reconnaissance and surveillance capability of the Indian Army but also their teaming with combat helicopters, which will prove to be a game changer in the third dimension,” Army sources said.

•It is worth noting that the army already operates four Heron Mk2 UAVs, which were ordered in 2021. Two of the army’s Heron Mk2 drones are deployed at Leh in Ladakh, while the other two are deployed in the eastern theater.

•The deliveries of these UAVs are expected to be completed by next year.