Apart from direct inferface with the foregn industry which exhibited their products and knowhow, there were some agreements inked on the occasion.

The Indian public sector undertaking, Bharat Electronics Limited Ltd (BEL) was on the lead to sign about four agreements.

BEL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/s Sagem Défense Sécurité, France to explore co-operation in the production and supply of Navigational sensors like periscope, inertial navigational system and optronic mast to the Indian Navy for its various platforms under consideration for future induction.

The MoU was signed by Director (Marketing), BEL, PC Jain and CEO, Sagem, France Bruno Even. Chairman & Managing Director, BEL SK Sharma, COO, Director, Avionics Division, Sagem, France Joel Berkoukchi and General Manager (Naval Systems), BEL Chandrasekhar S were also present.

The Indian Navy has ambitious plans of inducting ships and submarines into the service in the near future. Accordingly, the ship and submarine construction programme has been approved by the Government. Naval platforms have large-scale requirement of sensors such as SIGMA–40, Ring Laser Gyro, Optronic mast, Attack Periscope and Radar Mast for submarines.

M/s Sagem Défense Sécurité has the technology and expertise in the manufacture of these sensors. BEL is the leader in the manufacture and supply of defence electronics for the Indian Armed Forces. BEL and Sagem coming together to co-operate in the field of navigational sensors for ships and submarines will help in meeting the needs of the Indian Navy. The MoU will help in understanding and absorbing the critical technology adopted in these sensors for use in future induction platforms of the Navy.

The MoU will facilitate BEL and Sagem to work together for 24 months and if considered necessary, the same can be extended to a further period agreeable to both the companies.

With the Indian Navy’s ambitious plans for inducting large numbers of ships and submarines into the service in the near future come equally significant requirements for on-board equipment such as inertial navigation systems, optronic masts, periscopes and radar masts. BEL and Sagem coming together to cooperate in the field of navigational sensors for ships and submarines will help in meeting these needs of the Indian Navy and the MoU will facilitate collaboration between BEL and Sagem for a period of 24 months and if considered necessary, this duration can be extended to a further period agreeable to both the companies.

Elbit Systems subsidiary, ELOP issued a purchase order to BEL for manufacture of CoMPASS systems intended for the ALH programme.

BEL had previously entered into a technical collaboration agreement with ELOP for collaboration, licenced manufacture and D-level maintenance of the Compact Multi-purpose Advanced Stabilised System (CoMPASS) electro-optical turret for the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) programme.

BEL has established facilities for the manufacture of CoMPASS in its plants in India and will provide Indian users with local maintenance and support. CoMPASS has already been selected and integrated with Indian ArmyAviation and Air Force variants of the HAL Dhurv Advanced Light Helicopter.

CoMPASS is a day-and-night surveillance system that includes a colour TV daylight camera, third generation 3-5um Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensor, Laser Target Designator and Range Finder (LTDRF) and automatic tracking capabilities, as well as command and control capabilities. It is distinguished by a wide variety of interfaces, enabling integration with various aircraft/helicopter systems such as mission computer, fire control, radar, GPS, data downlink and helmet-mounted tracking systems. Is smalldimensions, low weight, high level of stabilisation and coverage angles make it an optimal choice for long-range, day-and-night surveillance, target tracking, fire control applications and search and rescue.

BEL also signed a MoU with Textron Systems Corporation as a first step towards providing the Textron System MicroObserver unattended ground sensor (UGS) system to Indian security agencies.

The MicroObserver UGS system brings a new level of covertness, ease of use and performance for border security, surveillance and critical infrastructure protection missions. Textron Systems reports that its MicroObserver system has been fielded around the world in support of these applications.

Obzerv Technologies has received a contract from BEL to supply 46 ARGC-2004 cameras. Obzerv’s electro-optic cameras will be integrated by Bangalore based BEL in a multisensor coastal surveillance system.

The Papavav Defence and Engineering Company (PDOC) and Atlas Elektronik of Germany signed a deal to partner in offering a cutting edge heavy weight torpedo to Indian Navy. Under the deal, PDOC and Atlas will create a joint venture company in which Atlas undertakes transfer of technology while PCOC will handle domestic manufacturing and business development.

The Bangalore-based Systems Controls Technology Solutions Pvt Ltd and Nexeya signed a strategic collaboration agreement through which both companies would benefit for the development and marketing their products in the field of defence, aerospace, railways, energy and other customer-defined areas in the market.