MoU signed to produce UAV systems for defence forces

Cyient, a Hyderabad-based company, and Israel-based BlueBird Aero Systems entered into a joint venture on Wednesday to offer field-proven unmanned aerial vehilce (UAV) systems to Indian defence, paramilitary, security and police forces.

A release said on Wednesday that the joint venture, named Cyient Solutions and Systems Private Limited, has 51 per cent and 49 per cent shareholding by Cyient and BlueBird respectively.

Cyient and BlueBird signed the joint venture agreement at the DefExpo 2018 in Chennai. The event was attended by stakeholders from both companies and industry representatives from India and Israel.

The release said that Cyient Solutions and Systems will indigenise, manufacture, assemble, integrate and test advanced UAV systems at its production facilities in Hyderabad by leveraging BlueBird's technology and manufacturing know-how.

Cyient Solutions and Systems, supported by BlueBird, will also provide comprehensive aftermarket services including spares.

The release said the joint venture's portfolio includes SpyLite, ThunderB, and MicroB systems that offer "highly-innovative UAS technology designed to fulfill covert, real-time intelligence, and tactical mapping-on-demand missions across open areas or crowded urban environments."

Cyient Solutions and Systems recently conducted field trials in India that successfully demonstrated the SpyLite's outstanding performance in a tactical surveillance role at high altitude and in extreme weather conditions.

Commenting on the announcement, Krishna Bodanapu, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Cyient, said the joint venture underlines the commitment of both partners to the government's Make in India initiative.

While Cyient provides engineering, manufacturing, geospatial, networks, and operations management services to global industry leaders, BlueBird specialises in design, development and production of micro, mini and tactical unmanned aerial systems and peripheral equipment.

Cyient has 14,000 employees across 21 countries.

--IANS

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