‘AR-1500 OFFERS SATURN WAVEFORM AND L-BAND OPERATION'

Since no one else operates V/UHF radios in L-band, transmissions are less likely to be intercepted leading to more secure communications, explains DES BAXTER, Director (Business Development-Asia Pacific), Mission Systems, Collins Aerospace, in this interaction with GEOPOLITICS

- DES BAXTER

Collins Aerospace has been present in India for more than two decades. What work is done in the defence arena at the Bengaluru and Hyderabad centers?

Collins Aerospace is contributing to international military programmes such as KC390, C295, AW609 and Viking Water Bomber in display and flight management software applications. Other examples include materials and process technology for the AH64, F15 and F16, mechanical support for the F35 and reliability and safety hazard analysis for the B2. We are also involved in the CH47F programme to customise display applications.

The Govt has recently announced a number of solutions for greater indigenous sourcing in India and increased the FDI limits as well. How does Collins Aerospace intend to benefit from this?

Collins Aerospace is committed to playing our part to help develop a vibrant, competitive defence industry in India. As such, we are continuing to work with our global supply base and develop new opportunities for indigenous sourcing.

The India aerospace supply base is progressing to develop further capabilities and capacity and its competitiveness on the global stage is critical.

India has large and varied requirements across its armed forces, specifically in the military aerospace domain. What solutions is the company proposing?

Collins Aerospace is committed to India and supporting ‘Make in India’. Today, we have a workforce of approximately 2,500 engineers and a team of programme managers to support our complex operations. We are actively working with various industry players to make sure our strategy aligns to the country’s policy.