Thales to co-develop fire control radar with BEL

French aerospace major Thales will co-develop fire control radar for gun and missile systems with state-run Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) through their joint venture BEL-Thales Systems Ltd.

"The radar Pharos provides defence against small, fast moving and manoeuvrable air and surface targets in littoral missions," Thales said in a statement after signing a contract with the joint venture at Defexpo India 2016 near here.

The tracker is capable of controlling the engagement of the targets with guided ammunition in all weather conditions.

"The radar for naval and ground-based deployment offers control of conventional and guided ammunition," said the statement.

As overall in-charge of system design, Thales will also design and produce the radar antenna while the joint venture (BTSL) will develop the mechanical design and radar processing in Bengaluru where BEL is headquartered.

The radar will cater to both Indian and international markets.

"We will work with BTSL for developing a new type of fire control sensor for the Indian and global markets," said Thales vice-president for surface radars activities Serge Adrian.