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Tribune News Service
New Delhi, April 17
The artillery gun programme to equip the Mountain Strike Corps is being finalised as India and the US are in agreement on its “make in India” component.
The Ministry of Defence is looking to buy 145 M777 ultra-light howitzers produced by the BAE Systems. The matter was discussed at the meeting that Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had with US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter on April 12.
The initial price notified by the US in 2012 was $694 million. The manufacturer has been seeking 10 per cent hike on the four-year-old price. The negotiation price is about $750 million.
The tender will be for associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support. The gun will come with laser inertial artillery pointing systems (LINAPS), maintenance, personnel training and training equipment, technical assistance, engineering and logistics support services.
The Army intends to use the howitzers to modernise its forces and enhance its ability to operate in hazardous conditions.
In India, the BAE Systems had tied up Mahindra as its business partner for its proposed in-country assembly, integration and test (AIT) facility for the M777 Howitzer.
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