IAI and DCX Systems Launch Joint Venture to Advance India’s ‘Make in India’ Defense Vision

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and DCX Systems Limited, a leading Indian defense manufacturer, have announced the establishment of a new joint venture named ELTX. The initiative is part of a strategic effort to support the Indian government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) and ‘Make in India’ programs by localizing high-end defense technology development and production.

ELTX will focus on transferring knowledge and technology related to advanced airborne radar systems and ground-based defense platforms, tailored to the specific needs of the Indian defense sector.

IAI has made significant, long-term investments in India’s defense ecosystem, aiming to enhance local capabilities through technology transfer, workforce upskilling, job creation, and infrastructure development. Recent initiatives by IAI in India include the establishment of its subsidiary Aerospace Services, a collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi, support for local startups through an Innovation Acceleration Program, and the opening of a radar maintenance and repair facility in Hyderabad to improve turnaround times for India’s armed forces.

Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI, described the joint venture as a major milestone in the growing defense partnership between Israel and India. He emphasized that combining Israeli innovation with India’s expanding industrial capabilities would result in next-generation defense technologies while advancing India’s self-reliance goals.

Dror Bar, Executive Vice President of IAI and CEO of its ELTA division, highlighted IAI/ELTA’s decades-long presence in India, where its radar, intelligence, and airborne systems already serve all branches of the Indian Armed Forces. He said the new JV reinforces IAI’s commitment to localizing technology and expanding design and development efforts in India.

DCX Systems Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. H.S. Raghavendra Rao, welcomed the partnership with IAI, calling it a strong step forward in strengthening India’s defense readiness. He noted that combining IAI’s radar innovation with DCX’s local manufacturing and engineering expertise will allow the JV to deliver advanced systems aligned with the needs of the Indian military.

IAI has built a close relationship with India over the past 40 years, providing a range of strategic technologies including air and missile defense systems, UAVs, satellites, radars, and training platforms. Its systems are operational across India’s tri-services and various government agencies.

DCX Systems, headquartered in Bangalore, specializes in the manufacturing of RF and other electronic systems for the defense and aerospace industries. Its state-of-the-art facilities and strong local presence make it a key partner in driving forward this new phase of defense collaboration.

The launch of ELTX marks a significant step in Indo-Israeli defense cooperation, aimed at accelerating innovation, building self-sufficiency, and expanding India’s role in the global defense manufacturing landscape.