The Indian government has given its Air Force the go-ahead for purchasing SpyDer low-altitude quick-reaction missile systems from Israel. The SpyDer systems use Python-5 and Derby missiles to shoot down hostile aircraft, helicopters, drones and precision-guided munitions.
Sources told the Times of India said the deal for the 18 SpyDer systems, at a cost of about $420 million, should be "inked within a few weeks." The deal has been on hold ever since the Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael were named in a case involving suspected kickbacks which India's Central Bureau of Investigations looked into.
The Indian government now seems to be quietly moving ahead with deals and projects with Israel. These include the projects to develop new-generation 'Barak' surface-to-air (SAM) missile systems.