"Defense News" reports that India is in talks to buy Israel's ground-based rocket and missile interceptor systems Iron Dome and David's Sling.
David's Sling, designed to intercept medium-range missiles (70-240 kilometers range), is being developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN). The system is also n the Ministry of Defense.
Indian Ministry of Defence sources told "Defense News" negotiations between the Israeli and Indian governments on a deal for David's Sling had been going on for more than six months. The sources added that Israel was open to sales of David's Sling, but that it would not transfer the system's technology as part of a deal.
The sources said that India was developing its own missile interception system for short and medium range missiles (50-80 kilometer range), known as the PAD. However, this system cannot intercept low-flying cruise missiles. This may be the reason why India is interested in the Israeli system.
An Indian Ministry of Defence official said that neither its aging Russian-built air defense systems nor the PAD system can serve as the country' sole line of defense against potential missile threats from Pakistan or China. He said that the procurement of David's Sling or the Iron Dome would be a "pleasure".
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 14, 2010
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