PHALCON
In October 2003 India signed a deal to buy sophisticated airborne radar systems from Israel. The agreement to supply New Delhi with the advanced PHALCON early warning radar systems was signed by representatives of India, Israel and Russia. Reportedly four Israeli radar systems will be fitted onto IL-76 transport planes provided by Russia as per Indian specifications. The deal is estimated to be worth more than one billion dollars when it is acquired, and the systems will begin to be delivered from 2007.
Defense analysts say the Israeli radar system will put large parts of Pakistan under Indian surveillance, including the disputed areas of Kashmir. The PHALCON radar system will give India a strategic advantage over archrival Pakistan. It does give India a certain edge, particularly in air defense operations, because what the PHALCON would do is to provide an over-the-horizon surveillance capability that allows directing air defense operations in a more efficient manner in terms of providing command and control.
Defense ties between India and Israel have grown rapidly in recent years, and Israel is now the second largest supplier of defense equipment to India after Russia. Friday's deal is the biggest so far between the two countries. India has been negotiating the PHALCON deal for several years. But the United States persuaded Israel to delay the agreement last year because of tensions between India and Pakistan were high. However, Washington lifted its objections recently, and Septmber's visit by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to New Delhi paved the way for finalizing the deal.
India also wants to buy anti-ballistic Arrow missiles from Israel, but this has yet to be cleared by the United States, which funded the system's research and development.
Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concern about the growing India-Israeli defense links, saying India's acquisition of sophisticated defense equipment could destabilize South Asia and upset the conventional military balance in the region.
Simultaneously, India is also working on developing an indigenous airborne early warning (AEW) system. According to the Defence Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, completion of development activities and commencement of user trials should occur in 2012. The aerial platform had not been chosen as of 2005 although the Brazilian Embraer was considered a contender.
