Deal with Israel

In early September 2004, Israel's Defense Minister, General Eliam Rubin, visited India to inspect the Vidyut and Shatru helicopter models that had gained significant global attention. After hearing of Russia's interest and the media buzz surrounding these helicopters, Israel was eager to explore a similar partnership. General Rubin, along with a high-level delegation of Israeli defense officials, engineers, and procurement specialists, arrived in India. They were welcomed by the Indian Ministry of Defence and escorted to Anant Defence headquarters in Gurgaon for a private presentation.

The presentation took place at the advanced testing grounds of Anant Defence, where Prithviraj Singh personally led the event. He showcased the capabilities of both the Vidyut and Shatru series, highlighting how these helicopters were well-suited to Israel's defense needs. The Vidyut series, designed for stealth and special operations, particularly caught the attention of the Israeli delegation. As a nation constantly in need of rapid-response capabilities, Israel saw the Vidyut series as essential for its elite forces.

The Shatru series, with its cutting-edge firepower and precision targeting, was equally impressive. Israel, frequently engaged in regional conflicts, recognized its value for direct combat missions. After the presentation, General Rubin was enthusiastic, praising the designs and expressing Israel's interest in moving forward with a deal.

Rubin, after a brief conversation with India's Defense Minister, Colonel Suraj Bansal, formally submitted a request for procurement. He also proposed enhancing future cooperation between Israeli and Indian defense industries, which included streamlining the process for Israeli companies to provide defense equipment to Anant Defence. This would make it easier for Prithviraj's company to procure essential defense technologies from Israel, ensuring that collaborations between the two nations remained strong.

With Israel's official interest in place, negotiations began. Prithviraj Singh, alongside RAW Chief Deepak Verma, oversaw the deal-making process. Given the importance of this partnership, Prithviraj knew that securing an agreement with Israel was crucial not only for Anant Defence but also for strengthening India-Israel defense ties.

The negotiations involved multiple discussions between Israeli defense officials and the Indian Ministry of Defence, with Prithviraj and Verma facilitating the talks. Among the topics of negotiation were technology transfers, specific helicopter customizations for Israel's operational needs, and ensuring that some advanced features—such as stealth and advanced targeting systems—remained exclusive to the Indian armed forces.

A key part of the negotiations was an agreement that would allow Anant Defence to procure defense equipment from Israel with ease. Prithviraj secured terms that gave his company priority access to Israeli defense technologies, including avionics, weapons systems, and electronic warfare capabilities. This agreement would be a long-term benefit for Anant Defence, as it ensured a steady supply of cutting-edge Israeli equipment, further strengthening its product line.

After several weeks of detailed discussions, both sides reached a deal that balanced the strategic interests of India while meeting Israel's defense needs. The customized versions of the Vidyut and Shatru helicopters were approved, and both countries agreed to a collaborative defense partnership moving forward.

With the negotiations complete, Prithviraj Singh and General Eliam Rubin met for the formal signing of the deal. The signing ceremony took place at Anant Defence headquarters and was attended by high-ranking officials from both India and Israel, including Colonel Suraj Bansal, the Indian Defense Minister, and Daniel Meron, the Israeli Ambassador to India. Media coverage of the event was widespread, highlighting the growing defense cooperation between the two nations.

The final contract was for 60 Vidyut special operations helicopters and 100 Shatru attack helicopters, with delivery slated for the next two to three years. The terms of the deal also included Israel's agreement to provide Anant Defence with defense equipment and technology on a priority basis, ensuring that Prithviraj's company could quickly and easily purchase Israeli-made components for future projects.

After the ceremony, the contract was forwarded to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) for approval, which was expected to be a mere formality given the strategic significance of the deal. Approval from the PMO was anticipated within days, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in India-Israel defense cooperation.

On September 15, 2004, Israel officially placed its order for 60 Vidyut and 100 Shatru helicopters. The total deal was valued at ₹2,340 crores (approximately $285 million USD).

60 Vidyut Special Operations Helicopters: Customized for Israeli special forces, these helicopters were equipped with enhanced stealth capabilities, night-vision systems, and electronic warfare tools. Each Vidyut helicopter was priced at ₹22 crores, bringing the total for the Vidyut helicopters to ₹1,320 crores.

100 Shatru Attack Helicopters: Tailored for direct combat, the Shatru helicopters included modifications to suit Israel's unique operational requirements. Each Shatru helicopter was priced at ₹10.2 crores, bringing the total for the Shatru helicopters to ₹1,020 crores.

In addition to the helicopter deal, the agreement allowed Anant Defence to procure advanced Israeli defense technologies with greater ease. This strategic benefit gave Anant Defence a competitive edge, allowing the company to integrate Israeli innovations into future products. Israel's Defense Minister, General Rubin, expressed satisfaction with the deal, remarking that these helicopters would significantly enhance Israel's military capabilities.

With the contract signed and awaiting final approval from the Indian government, Anant Defence was poised for further growth on the international defense stage, and the collaboration with Israel promised to open doors for future technological advancements in both countries.