Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS), a JV between Kalyani Group and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. of Israel, inaugurated their state-of-the-art facility at Hyderabad at the hands of Shri Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao - Hon’ble Minister for Industries and Commerce, IT, MAUD of Telangana, in the presence of H.E. Daniel Carmon - Hon’ble ambassador of Israel to India and Patnam Mahendra Reddy – Hon’ble Minister for Transport of Telangana.

In line with the Government's 'Make in India' initiative, the joint venture will invest in high-end technology and advanced manufacturing techniques to design, develop and manufacture state-of-the-art weapon systems for the Indian armed forces. Through this green-field venture, the JV will bring in committed Foreign Direct Investments that will also create significant employment opportunities in the state.

KRAS is India's first private sector Defence sub-systems manufacturing entity. Spread across an area of 24,000 sq.ft., the facility will enable production of high-end technology systems for Indian Armed Forces. It will be engaged in development of a wide range of advanced capabilities like command control and guidance, electro-optics, remote weapon systems, precision guided munitions and system engineering for system integration. The facility will also target to export products to other countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Baba N. Kalyani, Chairman, Kalyani Group said, "The path breaking visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister to Israel last month has reaffirmed the importance of bilateral defence cooperation between our two nations. This technology-based partnership is our endeavour to develop advanced defence systems and remote weapon system capabilities within India and is a testament to this increasing co-operation between Israel and India in a strategic sector. We are committed to the government’s vision of 'Make in India' and this joint venture manufacturing facility is a step in this direction."

During the inauguration ceremony, Maj Gen (Ret) Yoav Har-Even, President & CEO, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. said, "Rafael has been increasingly looking at cooperation with India in the defence and aerospace arena. We are confident and eager to be a strategic partner in addressing India's defence modernisation needs. We have, without any hesitations, offered our most advanced defence systems to India, with the willingness to transfer technology. Strategic cooperation between our two nations received a huge boost with the path breaking visit of PM Modi to Israel last month. Rafael is committed to 'Make in India' and this JV is a step in the same direction. The establishment of this facility is a sign of our commitment to 'walk the talk', in terms of partnering with Indian industry towards indigenous manufacture."