India favours DRDO, scraps deal with Israel on anti-tank missile

June 24, 2019 12:01

India has dismissed a $500-million deal with Israel for the purchase of spike anti-tank missiles from defence contractor Rafael Advanced Defense System.

The decision comes in after in-house developer Defense Research & Development Organisation said that it could deliver a cheaper alternative within two years.

According to government officials, Israel has been informed about the deal being scrapped to favour DRDO, that has claimed it was working on a similar missile at a much lower price in collaboration with VEM Technologies limited, reported The Indian Express.

A fast progress in DRDOs man-portable anti-tank guided missile, was a huge reason for India to sign DRDO on board for the deal. DRDO claimed it successfully test-fired the MPATGM at the Ahmednagar range last September.

In October 2014, India had struck a deal with Israel for the purchase of 321 Spike launchers and 8.356 missiles. But favouring DRDO, the deal was cancelled in December 2017.

However, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit to India in January 2018, the deal was re-authorised. The decision was also influenced by the setup of Rafaels production factory in India in August 2017, with local partner Kalyani Group.

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