TEL AVIV, Israel, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- India, long one of the biggest markets for Israel's defense industry, is expected soon to finalize the purchase of the Barak anti-aircraft missile built by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and is reportedly considering the company's Spike ant-tank missile as well.
Meantime, India's state-run Defense Research and Development Organization is getting ready to collaborate with Israelis companies to produce man-portable high-tech battlefield systems for Indian troops, a market with a reported potential of $3 billion.
Israel Aerospace Industries, flagship of Israel's defense sector, won a $1.1 billion contract with the Indian navy in 2009 to provide the advanced Barak-8 tactical air-defense missile for its warships.
The Indian army is jointly funding a project to adapt the Barak-8 into a multi-purpose weapons system.
The sale of the actual missiles was put on hold by Indian authorities because of an investigation into alleged corruption involving Israel Aerospace Industries, the prime contractor and the flagship of Israel's defense industry, and the then Indian defense minister, George Fernandes.
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