By Staff Correspondent
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a prominent leader in the aerospace and defence sector, has recently inaugurated its latest facility, HELA, in Hyderabad. This cutting-edge hub marks a significant milestone in IAI’s ongoing commitment to enhancing India’s defence infrastructure, particularly under the auspices of the Make in India initiative. The establishment of this subsidiary not only underscores IAI’s dedication to local capabilities but also emphasizes the importance of self-reliance in the critical domain of radar technologies.
Founded in 2004, HELA Systems has rapidly emerged as a premier provider of high-end radar systems and related services. Over the past two decades, the company has built a reputation for delivering comprehensive support, including advanced D-level repair capabilities and top-tier field services for various radar units. The recent opening of the Hyderabad facility is a testament to HELA’s strategic vision of bolstering local expertise while meeting the growing demands of India’s defence sector.
The facility in Hyderabad is staffed by over 45 highly trained professionals, complemented by more than 80 field engineers. This team specializes in the maintenance and repair of radar modules and sub-systems, encompassing critical areas such as power systems, cooling systems, IT integration, radar testing, and calibration. Notably, the staff comprises Indian nationals, reflecting HELA’s commitment to nurturing local talent and enhancing their expertise in advanced technologies. Furthermore, the facility is poised to support over 100 local professionals in the fields of radio frequency and microelectronics, thereby contributing to the operational efficiency of India’s most advanced radar systems across land, air, and maritime domains.
Dror Bar, CEO of ELTA Systems and Vice President of IAI, articulated the significance of the Hyderabad facility, stating, “As HELA Systems continues to expand its footprint in India, this new facility exemplifies our commitment to providing exceptional in-country support for advanced radar systems across India’s defence sectors.” His remarks underscore HELA’s role in enabling full product support, maintenance, and repair services locally, which promises unmatched efficiency in turnaround time, quality, and cost-effectiveness, all conducted in Indian rupees. The skilled teams and sophisticated control systems at HELA ensure a rapid response and top-tier service for the Indian defence forces, aligning seamlessly with India’s vision of achieving self-reliance in critical defence technology.
Yaniv Mizrahi, CEO of HELA Systems, further emphasized the facility’s significance, stating, “This facility represents a major milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence technology.” He highlighted that the launch of HELA not only signifies a commitment to supporting India’s strategic needs through world-class radar solutions but also aims to empower local professionals and foster innovation within the sector.
Israel Aerospace Industries stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence, delivering state-of-the-art technologies across various domains, including space, air, land, naval, cyber, and homeland security. Established in 1953, IAI has grown to become one of Israel’s largest technology employers, with a global presence that encompasses offices and research and development centers both domestically and internationally. By combining the entrepreneurial spirit of the “Start-up Nation” with decades of combat-proven experience, IAI provides its customers with tailor-made, cutting-edge solutions to the unique challenges they face.
The opening of the HELA facility in Hyderabad marks a pivotal moment in the collaboration between Israel Aerospace Industries and India. This strategic hub not only enhances local capabilities in radar technologies but also aligns with India’s aspirations for self-reliance in defence. As HELA Systems continues to expand its operations, it stands as a testament to the potential for international partnerships to foster innovation, empower local talent, and ultimately strengthen national defence.