Adani signs deal with Sparton to develop anti-submarine warfare solutions for Indian Navy

Adani Defence & Aerospace has inked a deal with US-based a US undersea warfare company Sparton to jointly develop and manufacture advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems, billionaire Gautam Adani's group said on Sunday.

Adani Defence & Aerospace said it "has signed a binding collaboration agreement with Sparton (DeLeon Springs LLC), a group company of Elbit Systems and a leading provider of advanced anti-submarine warfare systems. This partnership marks a significant step toward localising the assembly of complex electronic systems and advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) solutions for the Indian and global markets".

Sparton, a leading provider of ASW systems, will bring its proven expertise in undersea warfare technologies, while Adani will leverage its experience in design, development, and support for the Indian Navy.

The Florida-based firm was acquired by Israeli defence electronics company Elbit Systems Ltd in December 2020.

The partnership will enable the indigenisation of critical naval technologies, including sonobuoys– mission-critical platforms for enhancing Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA), providing an effective means to detect, locate, and track submarines and other underwater threats.

Adani Defence & Aerospace will be the first private company in India to offer indigenous Sonobuoys solutions to the Indian Navy.

"In an increasingly volatile maritime environment, strengthening India’s undersea warfare capabilities is not merely a strategic priority but an imperative for safeguarding sovereignty and national interests," said Jeet Adani, Vice President, Adani Enterprises. "Through this partnership with Sparton, Adani Defence & Aerospace becomes the first private company in India to offer indigenised sonobuoy solutions, enabling access to advanced technologies while fostering a future-ready, self-reliant defence ecosystem."

Donnelly Bohan, President and CEO of Sparton DeLeon Springs LLC, said the collaboration will help localise manufacturing and support the creation of high-technology skillsets in India. "We are proud to partner with Adani Defence & Aerospace to bring our proven anti-submarine warfare technologies to India," he said.

Adani Group has also partnered with Israel Weapon Industries to manufacture assault weapons, sniper rifles and machine guns.

Prior to the current deal, the Adani Group had in 2018 set up a joint venture partnership with Israeli weapons giant Elbit Systems to manufacture lethal Hermes 900 drones. In 2020, Adani-Elbit announced 'mini' drone missile weapons production.