German naval wares major Atlas sets up Indian subsidiary

Germany-based Atlas Elektronix, a leader in naval electronics, has set up a subsidiary here to intensify its partnership with India's government-run institutions and also initiate and expand existing ventures with domestic firms.

"This (the subsidiary's effort) includes the creation and fostering of relationships with research and manufacturing facilities of the defence ministry and local companies," Atlas said in a statement.

The new subsidiary will deal with market research, analysis, supply chain management and provide technical and logistical support to customers and to the German parent company, the statement added.

According to Volker Paltzo, managing director of the Bremen-based company, India was a key market. "With our new subsidiary, we wish to deepen the cooperation with the Indian clientele that has already been in place for many years."

Since the 1980s, Atlas has worked closely with India's defence ministry and the Indian Navy. An example of this teamwork is the delivery of four command and weapon control suites for the Shishumar class submarines.

"We will strive to build a coalition of partners in India, both in public and private sectors, to help the Indian industry develop localized solutions suited to the needs of the Indian Navy modernization programme," said Khalil Rahman, the company's chief executive for India.

"Our objective is to make long-term investment in the Indian market and remain committed to the indigenization needs of the Indian government."

Atlas has solutions in all fields of maritime technology - command and control systems, like radio communications for submarines, surface combatants and mine warfare systems, as also heavyweight torpedoes, coastal surveillance systems and in-service support.

The electronics specialist is a joint company of ThyssenKrupp and EADS and has a workforce of over 1,900 skilled people.