Anil Ambani-backed Reliance Unmanned Systems has signed a memorandum of understanding with Augur Overseas Operation of Singapore to manufacture aerostats and airships in India.
Technical partnership“This is part of strategic technical partnership to collaborate on new technologies both for the civil and military market as part of ‘Make in India’ policy. Under the agreement, the two companies will form a joint venture company with Reliance having 51 per cent stake,” said a statement.
As part of the existing arrangement, the first medium size aerostat envelope was delivered recently.
This was after successful acceptance tests were performed at Pipavav facilities. In the present changing security scenario in the Indian context, the borders require constant monitoring as the country has a 7,000-km coastline with almost 14,000-km long international border with various countries.
Aerostat radars are a force multiplier as they are deployed extensively in the surveillance, reconnaissance and communication roles by the armed forces. These are also useful in detecting low-flying fighter aircraft.
Market projectionAccording to one estimate the aerostat market is projected to rise from ₹25,000 crore in 2014 to ₹65,000 crore by 2020, at an estimated CAGR of 17 per cent.
The present estimated requirement by the Armed Forces including the paramilitary forces is estimated to be around 40 systems in the next five years with an estimated expenditure in excess of ₹12,000 crore to meet its operational roles.