With improving Indo-US defence co-operation, American arms company Raytheon says it is now actively holding talks with Indian public and private sector companies to develop state-of-the-art electronics surveillance systems and possible missile defence on a partnership basis.
"We are talking to many Indian companies, including the PSUs, on possible partnerships to develop defence-related equipment in India," Torkel Patterson, President of Raytheon International told journalists prior to the Farnborough International Air Show starting today outside London.
The company has an annual sale of $22 billion and produces more than 7,000 defence-related equipment. Each of its seven divisions is now looking for partnerships with Indian companies.
The company has already sent two survey teams to India and the teams have held discussions with the Tata Group, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Larsen & Toubro.
Among the focussed areas, he said, Raytheon could offer its expertise in satellite communications, tactical and civil communications and surface launched Amraam missiles.
Though Raytheon has been maintaining its presence in India for more than six decades, the company hit the headlines a few years ago when India bought eight Firefinder counter-battery artillery radars. The estimated deal of about $146 million was one of the first arms deal with the US in more than four decades.
Soon after, the ISRO awarded a contract to Raytheon to supply ground-based systems of a technology demonstrator for GPS aided Geo Augmented Navigation (Gagan) to improve air traffic and other civil navigation.
With the US government encouraging increased defence cooperation with India, Raytheon wants to enter the Indian market in a big way.
"Time has come to work with the Indian companies for the benefit of both countries," Patterson said adding once the Indo-US nuclear deal sails through, it would herald a new era in bilateral relations, especially in defence.
Patterson said that Raytheon would also be keen to share its expertise in Homeland Security systems. At a time when public tran sport and strategic locations like airports ports and metros becoming vulnerable for terror attacks, Raytheon says it is well placed to share its sophisticated security systems and mechanisms to protect these key locations.
US companies are also keen to sell to sell F-16 and F-18 fighter jets to India and once the Indian government decides on calling for proposals for medium range combat aircraft for its Air Force, Raytheon official said it would open further avenues for co-operation as Raytheon would possibly play a vital role in providing avionics and navigation systems.
