Meprolight, Rolta to Develop Imaging Optronics for Indian Defense Forces

Meprolight Ltd. is seeking to establish a joint venture with defense contractor Rolta India Ltd. of Mumbai to develop optronic devices based on image intensifier and thermal imaging technologies for India's defense and security forces.

Still pending government approvals, the joint venture will be owned 51 percent by Rolta and 49 percent by Meprolight, a subsidiary of SK Group.

"This is an important event for our defense business and the next step in our efforts to address the complete sensor-to-shooter chain through indigenous, made-in-India solutions," said K.K. Singh, chairman and managing director of Rolta India. "Guided by a set of common values, this JV will share best practices through transfer of technology and bring in state-of-the-art optronics manufacturing capabilities into our country."

Meprolight Chairwoman Orly Katsav said, "This win-win partnership will leverage the resources and expertise of both companies to serve the Indian optronics and electro-optical devices market."

Meprolight develops electro-optical and optical sights and devices, night vision devices, thermal sights, laser rangefinders, handheld rangefinders and fire control systems, and other tritium-illuminated products and accessories for safety and security applications.