The Hindu Business Line : Raytheon, L&T tie up for combat aircraft programme

Mumbai, Nov. 20 The US-based Raytheon Company has signed a memorandum of understanding with L&T for the MMRCA (medium multi role combat aircraft) programme.

It represents a step towards establishing a strong working relationship, encouraging pursuit of emerging business opportunities and providing for in-country offset for the MMRCA programme, an L&T release said.

Raytheon Company, with 2006 sales of over $20 billion, specialises in defence, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history spanning 85 years, Raytheon provides modern electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing, effects and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. “While Raytheon has conducted business in India for many years, we are now looking to develop our relationship and presence here in a more meaningful way over the long term,” said Mr Wes Motooka, Vice-President for International Strategy and Business Development for Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems.

Talent pool

“India has a strong pool of talent, so it makes perfect sense for us to combine Raytheon’s world-class technology with the best local expertise as we develop capabilities and solutions to support the nation’s emerging requirements.”

L&T has worked closely with Indian defence establishments in developing and putting into production a range of advanced systems, said Mr M.V. Kotwal, Senior Executive Vice-President, Heavy Engineering Division, L&T.

“L&T has been a major supplier of critical systems to India’s Defence and Space Research sectors for more than three decades. Defence products cover a wide range including rocket & missile launchers, naval systems, radar systems, gun-upgrades, fire-control systems, and tank electronics among others. This new agreement will help us induct “state-of-the-art” technology, and expand our range of high value offerings in the defence sector,” he said.

L&T has signed Letters of Intent with other Raytheon businesses.