Rolta and Meprolight set up optronics venture in India

05 May 2015

Indian and Israeli firms to co-develop security and defense sighting, sensing systems to meet the need for night-fighting.

Rolta India, a developer of IT solutions for diverse vertical market sectors, including federal and government activities and defense and homeland security, has established a joint-venture with Meprolight, an Israel-based developer of electro-optics systems for security and defense.

To be owned 51% by Rolta and 49% by Meprolight, the JV will take advantage of technology transfer from Meprolight for manufacturing and developing state-of-the-art optronics devices based on image intensifier and thermal imaging technologies in India, to address the growing demand for night-fighting capabilities by the Indian defense and security forces.

The partners say that this JV will become operational on receipt of requisite approvals from the companies’ respective national governments and will leverage a broad spectrum of optronics technologies,from Meprolight, and build on Rolta's leadership position in India, “to address significant requirements of defense, paramilitary forces and state police”, the partners said in a press statement.

’Win-win situation’

Ms. Orly Katsav, Chairwoman, Meprolight Ltd, commented, "Our JV with Rolta will increase Meprolight's footprint internationally through this strategic partnership. The creation of this joint venture is a significant milestone for us and this win-win partnership will leverage the resources and expertise of both companies to serve the Indian optronics and electro-optical devices market."

Mr. K.K. Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, Rolta India, commented, "This partnership is an important development 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. 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 wins NRA 'Golden Bullseye' award

• Meprolight's Mepro Mor Reflex Sight earlier this year was awarded the NRA's American Rifleman Golden Bullseye Award for "Optic of the Year". The all-in-one electro-optical sight features a passive reflex sight, an active reflex sight for low light conditions, and red laser. The military and police model also includes an IR laser. The sight is powered by ambient light during the day, tritium in darkness, and battery-power to provide continuous laser operation as well as reticle enhancement.

About the Author

Matthew Peach is a contributing editor to optics.org.