India has proposed a collaboration with Israel in developing unmanned combat helicopters for the countries' navies, a media report said.
The proposal was put forward by Chief of Naval Staff Sureesh Mehta during talks with Israel's Navy commander Maj Gen DanBashat in New Delhi last week, investigative publication 'DEBKAfile' reported.
Mehta estimated that the Indian Navy would need 40-50 helicopters of this kind, the report said, adding the project would be a revolutionary step for the navies of both countries providing them with their first independent air arms.
'India's coastline still vulnerable'
Israel sorely missed this capability during its war with Hezbollah last year, when its vessel Hanit was hit and crippled by what was assumed to be a Chinese-made C-802 shore-to-sea missile near Beirut.
Indian warships also face the same threat as Israel since Pakistan has acquired the C-802 from China. Both have therefore opted for the same antidote, a sophisticated unmanned combat helicopter, the report said.
Iran and Syria have also acquired the C-802 missiles, it said.
The C-802, designed in China, has a range of 8 km and its ability to gain altitude on its way to target turns it into a kind of cruise missile which can fly out of range of navy vessels' electronic defences, it said.
The shore-to-ship weapon is also armed with superior navigation, guidance and jamming capabilities.
