Thales and BEL-Thales Systems Limited to develop PHAROS fire control radar
Key Points
- Strategic cooperation contract in India.
- New type of multi-target simultaneous engagement fire control radar for naval and ground-based deployment that offers control of conventional and guided ammunition.
At Defexpo India 2016, Thales and BEL-Thales Systems Limited (BTSL), the joint venture between Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Thales, have signed a partnership agreement for the joint development of the PHAROS fire control radar.
This strategic co-operation contract will allow Thales and BTSL to jointly develop PHAROS, a fire control radar for both gun and missile systems. PHAROS provides defence against small, fast moving and highly manoeuvrable air and surface targets that may also be encountered in littoral missions. The multiple target tracker is capable of simultaneously controlling — in all weather conditions — the engagement of these targets with guided ammunition.
This joint development will strengthen the co-operation of Thales and BTSL in the field of innovative technologies. The responsibility of overall system design will be borne by Thales. BTSL will develop the mechanical design and radar processing modifications while Thales will be responsible for the design and production of the radar antenna.
BTSL will carry out its share of the development work in Bengaluru. This co-development agreement between Thales and BTSL is in line with the ‘Make in India’ vision of the Government of India.
The jointly developed PHAROS system will cater to both domestic Indian and international market requirements.
“We are pleased to work in close collaboration with BTSL for the development of this new type of fire control sensor to address the needs of the Indian and global markets. This strategic step goes beyond the co-development partnership; it reaffirms our commitment to the country and to actively contribute to the ‘Make in India’ policy,” said Serge Adrian, Senior Vice President of Surface Radars Activities at Thales.
PHAROS is a tracking radar for gun and missile control. Its electronic beam steering capability enables multiple-target tracking and integrated guided ammunition control. PHAROS controls any medium calibre type gun, ranging from 30mm to 76mm for naval and ground-based applications. PHAROS provides defence against small, fast moving and highly manoeuvrable air and surface targets.
Present in India since 1953, Thales today has over 300 employees working with its wholly-owned Indian subsidiary, Thales India Pvt. Ltd. Headquartered in New Delhi, Thales has other operational offices and sites that are spread across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Mumbai, among others. Since the beginning, Thales has been playing an essential role in India’s growth by sharing its technologies and expertise in Defence, Transport and Aerospace markets.
BEL was established in Bangalore, India, by the Government of India under the Ministry of Defence in 1954 to meet the specialised electronic needs of the Indian Defence services. Over the years, it has grown into a multi-product, multi-technology, multi-Unit company serving the needs of customers in diverse fields in India and abroad. BEL offers products and services in a wide spectrum of technology like Radars, Missile Systems, Military Communications, Naval Systems, Electronic Warfare & Avionics, C4I Systems, Electro Optics, Tank Electronics & Gun/Weapon System Upgrades, Solar Photovoltaic Systems, Electronic Components and civilian products. With its expertise developed over the years, the company also provides turnkey systems solutions. For more information visit www.bel-india.com
BEL-Thales Systems Limited is the joint venture company of Bharat Electronics Limited and Thales that was incorporated in August 2014. Thales holds 26% equity in the joint venture, while Bharat Electronics holds 74% of the stake. BTSL is dedicated to the design, development, marketing, supply and support of civilian and select military ground based radars for India and the Global markets.