New Delhi: Thirty years after it acquired Bofors guns, India has signed a deal to purchase 145 light Howitzer M-777 guns from the US under government-to-government route. The Rs 5,000 deal was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security two weeks. The signing of the contract was confirmed by BAE Systems, the manufacturer of the Guns, which will be primarily deployed along the China border in the eastern sector. "BAE systems welcomes Signed Letter of Agreement and Acceptance for Indian M777 Howitzer," the company said in a statement.
The landmark agreement pave the way for the Indian Army getting the new artillery guns after three decade. The procurement of Bofors guns was marred by a huge defence scandal which politically cost too high for the Rajiv Gandhi government in late eighties.
No successive government cleared any artillery deal in the wake of Bofors scam. After acquiring the guns, India will join the U.S., Canadian and Australian forces in gaining the M777’s unmatched strategic and tactical mobility.
“We look forward to providing the Indian Army with the combat-proven M777,” said Dr Joe Senftle, vice president general manager for Weapon Systems at BAE Systems. “Our plan to establish a domestic Assembly, Integration and Test facility further demonstrates our commitment to ‘Make in India’ and remains a firm part of our strategy to work with the Indian defense sector across Air, Land, Sea and Security” he said.
At half the weight of other 155mm towed howitzers, the M777 provides a rapid reaction capability and a proven pedigree that delivers decisive firepower when needed most in sustained combat conditions. With more than 1,090 M777s in service, it is the only battle-proven 155mm Ultra-lightweight howitzer in the world. It will remain at the forefront of artillery technology well into the future through the use of technical insertions, long-range precision guided munition developments, and flexible mobility options. Earlier this year, BAE Systems announced a plan to establish an Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) facility under 'Make in India' initiative.
The offset offer commits to investing in, and the development of, a number of Indian defence suppliers, providing them with access to the BAE Systems group across Air, Land, Sea and Security programs. The conclusion of this procurement will enable BAE Systems to make an investment of over $200 million in those Indian defence suppliers. the Company said. (UNI)