Jerusalem: As India and Israel move to
deepen their military ties, Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor
arrived here on a key visit where he is scheduled to hold
talks with top military officials.
General Kapoor will hold discussions with senior
defence officials as 'part of regular ongoing exchanges' to
tighten bilateral defence ties. The three-day visit will also
allay fears that the CBI enquiry into controversial Barak
missile deal may disrupt the robust defence ties between the
two countries.
Defence sources here said that Gen Kapoor, who arrived
here yesterday, will meet Defence Minister Ehud Barak, Chief
of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, besides other senior army
officials.
He will also visit the Israel Defence Forces southern
command.
Israel has become India's No. 1 supplier of arms and
ammunitions, overtaking Russia. The bulk of supplies
constitute about 50 percent of Israel's defence exports and
about 30 percent of India's imports.
Israel has supplied a range of defence products,
including Barak missiles, assault rifles, night fighting
devices, radar network, hi-tech electronic warfare systems and
information technology related equipments.
The Indian Air Force last May received the first of
the three Phalcon airborne early warning radar systems (AWACS)
from Israel as part of a 1.1 billion USD deal in a big boost
to its surveillance capabilities in the region.
The next delivery is expected in the first quarter of
next year. As per recent reports, India is interested in
working with Israel on submarine-launched cruise missiles,
ballistic missile defense systems, laser-guided systems,
satellites as well as unmanned aerial vehicles.
Bureau Report