BEL - Astra sign MoU for the design and manufacture of microwave systems

Astra Microwave Products Ltd and Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) signed a memorandum of understanding to explore formation of a joint venture company for the design and manufacture of microwave components and assemblies. Such microwave products are essential parts of large systems like radars, EW systems, sonars and communication systems, which BEL manufactures mainly for the Indian defence sector. "Our partnership with Astra will address the continuous requirement of such sub-systems with proactive R&D keeping pace with the changing technology for faster introduction of large systems," said VVR Sastry, chairman & managing director of BEL, at Aero India 2009 . The joint venture is being proposed as a common platform for all the future requirements in design, development and manufacturing of microwave components, which will complement BEL's existing core strength in this field, he added. B Malla Reddy, managing director, Astra Microwave Products Ltd. said "This agreement will build on the individual strengths of our two organizations to explore new business opportunities in India and abroad .We look forward to working closely with BEL in helping to meet the leading-edge sub-system requirements for defence-related products as well as addressing international market requirements".