M & M inks exclusive pact with Seabird Aviation Jordan

Bangalore, Feb 8 (UNI) Mahindra Defence Systems, a division of Mahindra and Mahindra, today announced that it has signed an exclusive marketing and support agreement with Seabird Aviation Jordan to supply Seabird SEEKER range of aircraft in India.

Mahindra Defence Systems Chief Executive Officer Brigadier (Rtd) Khutub Hai, in a release here, said ''Mahindra will bring a revolutionary aero-surveillance capability to India through the Australian designed and Jordanian manufactured SEEKER SB7-L 360 aircraft. This is a natural extension of our activities in the field of surveillance for which we have obtained a licence from the Government of India.'' He said the strategic intent of this partnership was to enable the SEEKER to be assembled, supplied and supported out of India to both the Indian market and elsewhere. The Indian assembled aircraft would contain a significant portion of indigenously manufactured components, including avionics, radios and mission systems, enabling considerable local work-share and added value to the Indian economy.

''Our SEEKER aircraft will be assembled by Plexion SDS, a subsidiary of Mahindra and Mahindra. Plexion and Seabird are looking into developing further areas of cooperation and towards the mutual development of new aircraft optimised for the Indian market requirements.'' Mr Alec Mackenzie, Chairman of the Board of Seabird Aviation Jordan, said ''Seabird Aviation Jordan has placed multi-million Dollar contracts with Plexion for digitisation of the SEEKER drawing packs, manufacture of tools and jigs and supply of aircraft components.'' UNI