Mahindra Defence Systems in advanced talks with WASS for underwater defence JV

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd has informed that Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS), the country's leading provider of high mobility and light bullet proof vehicles to the armed forces, paramilitary and police forces and a division of the US$ 6 billion Mahindra Group, announced that it is in an advanced stage of discussions for a strategic alliance with Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei (WASS), the maritime underwater systems subsidiary of the $ 12 billion Finmeccanica Group of Italy. MDS is showcasing its armoured military vehicles at the 5th International Land and Naval Systems Exhibition (DefExpo 2008) at Pragati Maidan.

MDS' proposed JV with WASS will utilise the industrial and operational capabilities of Mahindra & Mahindra enabling MDS to enhance its product range. The Finmeccanica Group has had a long association with the Indian Armed Forces in supplying lightweight torpedoes, submarine fired decoys, and also been pad of the highly successful Transfer of Technology programmes with the Indian industry in the past.

"The Mahindra Group has a long and illustrious relationship with the Defence Sector which dates back to the time when we began assembling Jeeps in India. Our association has only strengthened over the years with the inception of MDS which has emerged as one of the foremost suppliers of light combat / armoured vehicles and their derivatives for defence / security forces in the country today. We are also looking at strategic partnerships with experienced players in the field which will help us enhance our product offerings for the Defence Sector," said Mr. Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group.

"I am delighted to announce that MDS is in an advanced level of discussion with WASS for a strategic alliance. The Finmeccanica Group has had a long association with the Indian Armed Forces. MDS's proposed underwater defence JV with WASS will jointly address the Indian requirement for underwater defence, bringing to the country's Armed Forces affordable world class underwater defence systems. The range of MDS products displayed at the DefExpo underscores our competencies in Land and Naval Systems, Military Communications and System Integration. MDS is the country's leading provider of up-armoured and bullet proof vehicles with more than 500 Rakshaks and up-armoured Scorpios in service in the Indian Army and security / police forces. These vehicles have proved themselves repeatedly in operations and have developed a formidable reputation by saving the lives of our armed forces personnel," said Brigadier Khutub Hai, Chief Executive of Mahindra Defence Systems.