BackMahindra unit ties up with UK firm for underwater warfare equipment
The companies have come together to build and supply advanced systems like the new torpedo defence system
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Mumbai: After land and air defence, Mahindra is going to the sea.
Mahindra Defence Naval Systems Ltd, a unit of the $16.9 billion Mahindra Group on Monday said it has tied up with UK’s Ultra Electronics to build equipment for underwater warfare.
This follows Mahindra’s earlier defence production deals to serve the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
The company will bid for domestic and global opportunities, along with its partners in naval defence space, said S.P. Shukla, group president, aerospace and defence sector, Mahindra Group and chairman of Mahindra Defence Naval Systems.
“For the domestic opportunities, Mahindra Defence Naval would be ‘prime’ partner while overseas partners would be ‘prime’ for overseas bids. Mahindra Defence Naval is exploring several such tie-ups in naval defence space in the coming months," Shukla said.
Mahindra and Ultra will jointly build torpedo defence, integrated anti-submarine warfare defence and equipment to counter mines, besides anti-submarine vessels, submarine safety equipment, sonobuoys and underwater ranges.
“Mahindra Defence Naval would be neutral in building naval warfare capabilities despite who is building the ships or submarines," Shukla said.
He said the Indian Navy imports most of its underwater fighting equipment.
Mahindra hopes to step in with cutting-edge technology in this segment.
The partnership also addresses the defence forces’ need for specialized radios for tactical communication systems, the group said in a statement on Monday.
“We also expect to address the requirement of specialized radios and other defence electronics for all the three wings of the armed forces," Shukla said.
Rakesh Sharma, chief executive officer at Ultra Electronics, said the partnership builds on his company’s existing collaboration with the Indian Army to provide radios.
A defence consultant, requesting anonymity, said Mahindra Group is fairly strong in land-related products and is creating capabilities in aerospace, too.
“The group is building naval capabilities by partnering with select overseas companies. It is expected to bid for all major naval warfare products," he said.
On Friday, the defence division of the Mahindra Group, Mahindra Defence Systems Ltd, and Europe’s Airbus Helicopters signed an in-principle agreement to set up a joint venture to manufacture helicopters in India, seeking to tap a market expected to be worth $41 billion annually in seven years.
Several companies are keen to secure licences for defence production, following the opening of defence production to foreign investment and the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
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