Piramal Systems and Technologies of the Ajay Piramal-led group is in talks for a joint venture deal with US-based surveillance technology developer Global Technical Systems.

Not content with picking up a 27.83 per cent stake in Bluebird Aero Systems, an Israel-based unmanned air systems manufacturer, for about Rs 40 crore ($7.2 million) in August 2012, Piramal Enterprises is keen to expand its business interests in the defence market.

According to officials in the know who spoke to Business Line on condition of anonymity, Piramal Systems plans to collaborate with Global Technical Systems for maritime and internal security, and an announcement is expected soon.

Airborne surveillance

What has piqued interest for the Indian conglomerate is the leading-edge airborne surveillance radar technology that Global Technical Systems has created.

Called the AN/APS-151 Radar, it is an-all weather, day and night indicator radar for maritime and land-based operations. It can be installed in fixed and rotary wing UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and manned aircraft.

The privately held American firm is into air and satellite operations, weapons technology, naval operations, military operations and technical intelligence.

Among its customer base, Global Technical Systems has US Government establishments such as the Transportation Security Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, US Navy and the Department of Energy.

Incidentally, Piramal’s deal with Bluebird Aero Systems is considered unique as the company is an initiative of former engineers of the Israel Defence Forces. Bluebird also has an agreement with Bangalore’s Dynamatic Technologies for manufacturing and marketing mini and micro tactical, unmanned aerial vehicles in India.

The Piramal Group is also said to be seeking more investments in the Israeli aerospace and defence companies with a potential to do business in India.

Officials said the company is to use the partnership with the Israeli firm as a springboard for more investments.

amritanair.ghaswalla@thehindu.co.in

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