By NNN-PTI
New Delhi : With India emerging as a top buyer of military equipment, UK-based global defence and aerospace major BAE systems is finalising several joint ventures with Indian manufacturers to get a bigger share of the lucrative defence market.
The company is also eyeing a deal to grab an additional contract to supply 40 more Hawk advanced jet trainers for the Indian Air Force in addition to 66 already contracted under the Rs 8,000-crore deal signed in March 2004.
BAE Systems Managing Director Mike Mendoza said the company has recently signed an agreement with software major Wipro to develop software for a range of avionics programmes.
Talks are at the final stage with commercial vehicle manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra to develop a mine protected vehicle, he told PTI at the Defence Expo here.
“We have been part of India’s defence forces for the past 60 years and, now, we want to expand our existing ties with India,” Mendoza said.