Israel may assist India in building a new tank. According to a report in the Times of India, Israel is seeking to provide sensors and fire-control systems for a tank being developed by India.
A senior Indian defense official said the Israelis “are prepared to delete brand names of the items they supply” for the Arjun tank, the report said.
Cooperation on the project would be significant since New Delhi for decades demonstrated solidarity with the Palestinians and kept its distance from Jerusalem. It established full diplomatic relations with Israel only last January.
Israeli defense officials said cooperation between Israel and India on the project would require a political decision, news reports said.
Final trials of the 50-ton tank are due next month. If successful, production will begin by the middle of next year.
The Arjun, under development for 20 years, is powered by a German engine and has a Dutch-made sighting system. It is designed for a four-member crew.
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