Garware Wall, Israel’s Aero-T tie up to make aerostats

Garware Wall Ropes Ltd (GWRL), a technical textile manufacturer, and Aero-T, an Israeli technology company, have joined hands to produce advanced aerostats, which help in low-level ground surveillance in different terrains.

The Pune-based GWRL and Aero-T, a subsidiary of RT LTA Systems, Israel, signed an MoU to manufacture aerostats (tethered balloons) and supply it to the Indian defence forces. The pact comes in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Israel.

The aerostats when combined with advanced radar systems will become a force multiplier and significantly improve the precision and accuracy of surveillance. India and Israel already have a long-standing collaboration in the area of radars.

Aerostats, which cost a few crores depending on the size, can operate at heights of up to 15,000 km. They are highly versatile in their mobility given their portability and can be deployed in varied terrains providing an omnipresent eye to monitor threats.

For the ₹870-crore turnover GWRL, aerostats will be a natural diversification, says Vayu Garware, CMD of the company. “We will combine our strengths with Aero-T to develop advanced aerostats,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer, Shujaul Rehman, told BusinessLine in a telephone chat from Pune, that the company has been into defence for the past couple of years. It has developed the aerostat and a radome in collaboration with the Aerial Delivery Research and Delivery Establishment, Agra under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). While continuing the cooperation, the joint venture partners will work with end-customers to understand their needs and co-develop customised solutions.

The MoU provides for indigenous development, production, delivery and maintenance support for the aerostats required for both military and civilian use. It will entail GWRL establishing an aerostat envelope production facility and Aero-T providing the technology, electronics, integration with radar and continuous support.

Rami Shmueli, CEO of Aero-T, said GWRL will be the supplier of choice for aerostat systems in India. The company provides aerostats suitable for all weathers conditions and across varied terrains ranging from very hot deserts to ice cold mountains.

“Aero-T is committed to provide complete technology know-how to GWRL. The advanced production facility in India will provide us an opportunity to cater to the growing global demand, based on high quality and cost-effective solutions,” he added. Aero-T possesses complete know-how for developing and operating a variety of aerostats with over 30 years of Lighter Than Air (LTA) operations.

GWRL established in 1976 provides customised solutions in the field of fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, sports, agriculture, coated fabrics and geosynthetics. Its products are manufactured in facilities at Wai and Pune. Nearly 50 per cent of its revenues come from exports of aquaculture products and sports goods.

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