Israeli, Indian firms to form venture

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BANGALORE, India, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Israel's Elbit Systems and Bharat Forge Ltd. of India announced forming a joint venture to provide India with advanced artillery and mortar systems.

The joint venture, they said, will offer artillery and mortar solutions based on Elbit Systems' product portfolio, which includes the ATHOS 155/52 Towed Gun System, the ATMOS 155/52 Mounted Gun System and the upgraded 130mm M46 gun.

"The strategic cooperation between Elbit Systems and Bharat Forge, and specifically the JVC, will address Indian defense requirements with operationally proven systems from Elbit Systems that have been customized and adapted for Indian conditions and manufactured at the world-class manufacturing facility (of) ... Bharat Forge," said Baba Kalyani, chairman and managing director of Bharat Forge.

Announcement of the intention to establish the joint venture was made at the Aero-India exhibition taking place in Bangalore, India.

"We believe that offering innovative solutions, based on our combined vast operational experience and technological capabilities, will position the JVC as a leading supplier to the Indian Ministry of Defense and other potential Indian government customers," said Elbit Systems Executive Vice President Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis.