Mahindra Telephonics, a joint venture between Mahindra Defense Systems and Telephonics Corp, a US-listed Griffon Company, has initiated the manufacture of the RDR series of Airborne Weather Radars at their Prithla facility near Delhi.

This would be the first airborne radar manufactured in the private sector in India. The radar, with its efficient weather and ground mapping system, would help military or civil pilots steer clear of hazardous or bad weather.

Mahindra Telephonics Integrated Systems (MTIS) was incorporated in April 2013, with the aim to provide the Defence Ministry advanced airborne surveillance and communication systems. MTIS manufactured the first airborne weather radar assembly in March 2015.

The joint venture also intends to provide systems for air traffic management services, homeland security, and other emerging surveillance requirements.

The initial transfer of technology was for the manufacture of transducers used for both commercial and aerospace applications. Over 16,000 have been produced since December 2013, MTIS said in a statement.

SP Shukla, Group President, Aerospace and Defence, Mahindra & Mahindra, noted that MTIS was making significant progress in its charter to build an indigenous capability to support aerospace and defence programmes by leveraging the advanced technologies offered by Telephonics.

Joseph Battaglia, President and CEO of Telephonics, noted in the statement that manufacturing the RDR airborne weather radar was a key milestone.

MTIS said its capability to manufacture airborne radars has positioned it to support the 'Made in India' mandate, and has helped the Mahindra Group establish a clear lead as compared to other Indian industrial groups in the aerospace and defence arena.

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