SOURCE: AFI
Hyderabad, a burgeoning hub for innovation and technology, played host to the #iDEX-SIBAT Round Table Conference on March 17, 2025, marking a significant step in strengthening defence collaboration between India and Israel. The Israeli delegation, led by Mr. Shlomo Eytan Levy, Director of Asia & Pacific at SIBAT (International Defense Cooperation Directorate of Israel’s Ministry of Defense, IMOD), engaged with India’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) team in discussions aimed at exploring future partnerships and enhancing bilateral defence engagements.
The conference underscored the growing synergy between the two nations, both renowned for their advancements in defence technology and innovation. With a focus on fostering collaboration, the talks centered on potential joint ventures, technology transfers, and co-development opportunities that could address shared security challenges while bolstering indigenous defence ecosystems. The event, held just days before March 20, 2025, highlighted Hyderabad’s rising prominence as a center for cutting-edge defence innovation.
Following the round table, the iDEX team embarked on a series of visits to key defence and aerospace companies in Hyderabad, further solidifying the momentum of Indo-Israeli cooperation. Among the stops was HELA Systems Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and India’s Adani Defence & Aerospace. This partnership exemplifies the blending of Israeli technological expertise with Indian industrial capabilities, focusing on advanced systems for defence applications.
The delegation also visited Astra Microwave Products Ltd. (astramwp), a Hyderabad-based firm known for its contributions to radar, electronic warfare, and missile systems, and Skyroot Aerospace, a pioneering Indian startup developing next-generation launch vehicles. These visits showcased India’s vibrant private sector defence ecosystem, which aligns with iDEX’s mission to nurture innovation and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Additionally, the team toured the facilities of Elbit Systems Ltd.’s joint venture in Hyderabad, reinforcing the presence of Israeli defence giants in India. Elbit, a global leader in defence electronics and unmanned systems, has been expanding its footprint in India through strategic collaborations, further deepening technological ties.
The #iDEX-SIBAT conference and subsequent visits come at a pivotal time as India seeks to modernize its armed forces and reduce reliance on imports, while Israel looks to expand its defence export markets in Asia. The partnership leverages Israel’s combat-proven technologies and India’s growing industrial base, offering a mutually beneficial framework for co-production and innovation. Discussions likely touched on areas such as unmanned systems, missile defence, and advanced electronics—fields where both nations have demonstrated significant expertise.
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