Israel’s IAI, India’s DCX form JV company ELTX: BANGALORE, INDIA: In a significant development highlighting the evolving and deepening defense relationship between Israel and India, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a global aerospace and defense giant, and DCX Systems Limited, a leading Indian manufacturer of electronic systems, officially announced the establishment of a new joint venture (JV) on Monday, April 21st. Named “ELTX,” the venture is strategically positioned to bolster India’s defense sector by focusing on high-end technologies, particularly airborne radars and ground-based systems, directly supporting the Indian government’s ambitious ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.
The formation of ELTX marks a concrete step towards greater collaboration and co-production in the critical defense arena. According to the joint announcement, the primary objective of the new entity is to facilitate the transfer of knowledge (ToK) and transfer of technology (ToT) for advanced defense systems capabilities into India. This move signifies a shift beyond direct procurement towards building indigenous capacity for complex defense electronics.
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ELTX: A IAI-DCX Joint Venture Company
Speaking on the strategic importance of the new JV, Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI, highlighted the broader context of bilateral relations and technological advancement.
Levy said that the latest strategic partnership marks yet another significant milestone in the deepening defense collaboration between Israel and India. By combining Israeli innovation with India’s growing industrial base.
“We are proud to co-develop next-generation technologies that address evolving security needs while advancing India’s vision of ‘Make in India’. Through mutual transfer of knowledge and capabilities, we are enhancing battlefield readiness and helping to unlock India’s full potential as a global hub for defense technology and economic growth,” added the top IAI official.
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India’s MRSAM Missile jointly developed by DRDO and IAI.
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The technological focus of ELTX, particularly on airborne radars and ground systems, leverages the specific expertise of IAI’s subsidiary, ELTA Systems, a world leader in these domains.
Dror Bar, IAI Executive Vice President and CEO of ELTA, said IAI/ELTA’s radars, airborne systems, homeland security and intelligence systems are at the forefront of the defense world for the last decades and serve India’s tri-services and Armed Forces.
“We are proud to significantly increase our commitment to support indigenization of our technologies in India and to establish this local JV, that will enhance the design and development of mutual defense electronics solutions,” Dror Bar added.
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Representing the Indian partner, DCX Systems Limited brings crucial local manufacturing expertise to the table. Based in Bangalore, India’s aerospace and technology hub, DCX specializes in manufacturing Radio Frequency (RF) and other complex electronic systems, operating a state-of-the-art production facility tailored for the defense and aerospace sectors.
HS Raghavendra Rao, Chairman & Managing Director of DCX Systems, said the Joint Venture is a testament of our commitment to reinforcing India’s defense capabilities.
Rao said the Indian company will combine IAI’s innovative radar technologies with DCX’s local expertise and production infrastructure in order to deliver cutting-edge systems tailored to the growing needs of the Indian Armed Forces.
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The establishment of ELTX is thus poised to create a powerful synergy, marrying IAI’s proven, cutting-edge defense technology, particularly in sophisticated radar and electronic warfare systems, with DCX’s established manufacturing prowess and understanding of the Indian industrial landscape. This venture is expected not only to contribute significantly to India’s self-reliance goals in critical defense technologies but also to potentially pave the way for the export of jointly developed or manufactured systems in the future, aligning with India’s aspirations to become a net defense exporter.
As India continues its extensive military modernization program, ventures like ELTX that emphasize local manufacturing, technology absorption, and skill development are seen as crucial enablers for achieving long-term strategic autonomy in the defense sector.
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India-Israel: A Strategic Partnership
IAI, a long-term strategic partner to India, emphasized that this venture is part of its ongoing commitment and substantial investment in India’s defense ecosystem. For over four decades, IAI has cultivated close ties with India and its Armed Forces, supplying a wide array of advanced technologies and strategic systems. These have historically included crucial air and missile defense systems, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), satellites, various types of radars, training platforms, and more, with many IAI-developed systems currently in operational use across India’s tri-services (Army, Navy, Air Force) and other government agencies.
However, IAI’s strategy in India has visibly evolved in recent years, moving beyond mere sales to actively participating in building local capabilities. The company stressed that its investments aim to empower India to independently operate, maintain, and enhance its defense portfolio. This involves tangible actions like creating jobs, upskilling the local Indian workforce, and contributing to the overall growth of the nation’s defense manufacturing base.
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Recent examples underscore this commitment: IAI launched its Indian subsidiary, Aerospace Services India; announced a collaborative partnership with Delhi’s prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT); initiated an Innovation Acceleration Program to engage with Indian deep-tech startups; and notably, opened a dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Hyderabad. This Hyderabad facility specifically enhances localized support for advanced radar systems, aiming to significantly reduce turnaround times for critical maintenance required by India’s Armed Forces – a capability domain directly relevant to the new ELTX venture.
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