BAE Systems has --- after playing hard-to-get for a decent interval --- announced that it will field its FH-77B-05 towed howitzer in the latest round of selection trials announced by the MoD last month. Shown here is the gun, with the spectacular backdrop of Ladakh in winter. Appended below is today's press release by BAE Systems.
BAE SYSTEMS WILL BID FOR NEW 155MM TOWED HOWITZER PROGRAMME
New Delhi, India ─ BAE Systems has submitted a response to the Indian Ministry of Defence's latest RFI for towed 155mm howitzers, following previous tenders which were cancelled due to the inability of other potential suppliers to meet the tender conditions. The company's offer will be based on the FH77 B05 155mm howitzer, and a significant proportion will be manufactured in India to meet the specific needs of the Indian Army.
The new RFI was issued by MoD in last month, bringing an end to the previous procurement process that had reached the summer field trial phase. BAE Systems and the FH77 B05 was present and ready to take part in those cancelled trials in Rajasthan and the FH77 B05 currently remains in India ready to recommence the process.
FH77 B05 is a more powerful, updated and computerised version of the howitzer that performed so well in the Kargil conflict. FH77B05 has significantly greater range than its predecessor, but retains many of the features that endeared the system to its users in the Indian Army.
Andrew Gallagher managing director and chief executive of BAE Systems India said, "BAE Systems is confident that the FH77 B05 is the best heavy towed howitzer in the world today and meets the requirements of the Indian Army.
Gallagher continued, “If selected to meet this urgent need for the Indian Army, our FH77 howitzer will be largely manufactured by Defence Land Systems India, our joint venture with Mahindra and we hope this will be the first step to establishing this business as an artillery centre of excellence, for BAE Systems globally. Furthermore it will create highly skilled local jobs in India."
Anand Mahindra, vice chairman and managing director of the Mahindra Group said, "We're proud to be associated with a defence system that has such a history of defending our great nation. Working on this programme will bring world-leading artillery technology to India for the first time, setting in motion the process of making Defence Land Systems India a global force in artillery."
India is BAE Systems’ newest home market and the company is committed to a programme of investment and technology transfer in support of its strategy to become a major domestic player in the Indian defence sector.
I can believe in Santa but not this story.
ReplyDeleteThanks for raising some hopes in these beleaguered times, Colonel...
ReplyDelete( I Keep addressing you a Colonel and not a General, which you would have been, due to much more legendary fascination to that rank)
Remember I had asked you a question as to who is going to be accountable for decision on such issues? That it is not the question of DRDO, Indian Industry Vs IA. The issue is Who will be responsible for degrading IA capabilities for 15 years? Moreover who will answer for Indian Army being kept starved of weapons and equipment?
In such an unpredictable, unexpected, troubled, murky and cut throat security environment as India finds itself in, sitting under a tree waiting for the fruit to fall down can be extremely dangerous. Free rides ofr security, as karnad says, can be extremely dangerious. We can wait under a tree only after assuring that we have at least survival food in the stomach. How long will India ride piggy back the Soviet Union or USA?
There comes the point what Navy, Army or Air Force say or rather plead.
And not the way these organizations are being projected. Anti indigenous, anti Industry, anti DRDO and throwing QR at the drop of the hat etc etc.
People from the Forces live and react to external environment around them. They have the right to dream a win for themselves and their Country in that context and environment. They have higher right of the dream being ultimate users of the end product of others. They do not say producers, business, inventors and economists dreams are inferior. All have a right to dream but forces have right of a dream of use of equipment to win in battle which is far off and different than a dream of profit.
In all this genuine dreamy world, the moderators, that is MoD has to play a crucial role. But what to do. They have stakes in some dreams themselves and hence forgo there right to be moderators.
More important that people like you rise up to the occasion and play the guide and moderate.
The Chinese are crawling all around us,Gilgit,Baltistan,Tibet,Sikkim,
ReplyDeleteBhutan,Arunachal,Myanmar.
For the country's sake get the155mm Guns.
The Chinese or the Pakis will not be stopped by waving CVC or CAG reports at them.
Never say die attitude ..hope anand mahindra does some magic this time to move things forward
ReplyDeletePoor guys havent they got the message yet that no matter what they wont be selected
ReplyDeletehope this RFI does not end up as the last three RFI's. Hope than insane man antony finally signs the contract
ReplyDeleteAjai sir
ReplyDeleteDenel, Soltam, Rheinmetall and now ST Kinetics, all have been blacklisted and the Bofors gun is a political hot potato since 1980s, so who is going to win the deal, god knows.
May be India will finally ask US to supply guns under FMS to tide over its 155 mm artillery problems.
What a Manipulative release. Obviously the handiwork of the Brits since the Swedes dont try to be so "clever". Here is an analysis of the "release:"
ReplyDelete1) New Delhi, India ─ BAE Systems has submitted a response to the Indian Ministry of Defence's latest RFI for towed 155mm howitzers, following previous tenders which were cancelled due to the inability of other potential suppliers to meet the tender conditions.
THE TRIALS GOT CANCELLED BECAUSE OF THOSE BLOODY SINGAPOREANS WHO HAVE A POOR GUN AND CANT MEET TENDER CONDITIONS. REALLY? WHO TOLD THAT TO BAE?
The company's offer will be based on the FH77 B05 155mm howitzer, and a significant proportion will be manufactured in India to meet the specific needs of the Indian Army.
SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION MADE IN INDIA. INTERESTING. PITCH FOR MADE IN INDIA BUT CLEARLY STATING THAT THE ORDERS WILL BE MET IN SWEDEN
The new RFI was issued by MoD in last month, bringing an end to the previous procurement process that had reached the summer field trial phase. BAE Systems and the FH77 B05 was present and ready to take part in those cancelled trials in Rajasthan and the FH77 B05 currently remains in India ready to recommence the process.
AGAIN, SOMETHING ABOUT, HEY, WE ARE READY GUYS. ALWAYS WERE. SO LETS 'RECOMMENCE'. DIDNT KNOW A RFP HAD BEEN PUT OUT? THEY ARE READY TO RECOMMENCE ON THE BASIS OF A RFI? GIVE ME A BREAK
FH77 B05 is a more powerful, updated and computerised version of the howitzer that performed so well in the Kargil conflict.
RAH! RAH! KARGIL! RAH! RAH! THE EMOTIONAL STROKE. THIS IS WHERE WE ARE EXPECTED TO BREAK INTO TEARS AS THEY TUG AT OUR HEARTSTRINGS
FH77B05 has significantly greater range than its predecessor, but retains many of the features that endeared the system to its users in the Indian Army.
RAH! RAH! INDIAN ARMY! THEY LOVE US! HEY! THEY LOVE US SOOOOOO MUCH!
Andrew Gallagher managing director and chief executive of BAE Systems India said, "BAE Systems is confident that the FH77 B05 is the best heavy towed howitzer in the world today and meets the requirements of the Indian Army.
LE BEST. GRANT IT TO THIS CHAP. SAYS IT STRAIGHT. BUT DO NOTE, ALL THE SWEDES HAVE BEEN WIPED OUT. FEAR OF BOFORS. BOOOOOOOO FOOOOORS. SO ONLY THE BRIT FACES WILL TROT OUT.
Gallagher continued, “If selected to meet this urgent need for the Indian Army, our FH77 howitzer will be largely manufactured by Defence Land Systems India, our joint venture with Mahindra and we hope this will be the first step to establishing this business as an artillery centre of excellence, for BAE Systems globally. Furthermore it will create highly skilled local jobs in India."
THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO ONE GENTLEMAN CALLED AJAI SHUKLA WHO SAYS MAKE THE DAMN GUNS HERE. SO, HERE IS THE SOP FOR AJAI: SEE, THESE WILL BE INDIAN GUNS!
Anand Mahindra, vice chairman and managing director of the Mahindra Group said, "We're proud to be associated with a defence system that has such a history of defending our great nation. Working on this programme will bring world-leading artillery technology to India for the first time, setting in motion the process of making Defence Land Systems India a global force in artillery."
MORE RESPONSES TO AJAI SHUKLA. POOR SWEDES, WHERE THE F HAVE THEY BEEN SENT OFF? ARE WE BUYING AN INDO-BRITISH COLLABORATION FOR GUNS?
India is BAE Systems’ newest home market and the company is committed to a programme of investment and technology transfer in support of its strategy to become a major domestic player in the Indian defence sector.
AJAI: THAT'S THE LAST SHOT AT YOU. THE RELEASE ON A RFI IS FAIRLY UNPRECEDENTED. THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE REASON: AN ARTICLE THAT SAYS, SHAFT THE BLOODY BRITS, SWEDES, SINGAPOREANS, SOUTH AFRICANS AND ISRAELIS. BUY INDIAN. HELL, SO WE WILL MUCK IT UP A BIT BUT WHY NOT START NOW?
To Anonymous @ 12:04
ReplyDeleteBrilliant and incisive analysis. Spot on in some aspects.
However, the last potshot at Ajai was uncalled for and not quite "officer and gentleman" like behaviour :) ( I am not implying that you were a military officer)
The RFI clearly had clauses that talked about the "Made in India" aspect. Was that not Pun Lloyd's role for example? Just wondering old boy..
Just one thing though. Your analysis, rather than being dispassionate (and thus valuable in terms of debate at least), has the distinct flavour of sour grapes.
Surely Brig. Gen. Choy does not approve of this flavour?
Ajai, how does this affect your earlier and heartening news about the indigenous effort that South Block was contemplating/ supposedly unleashing?
ReplyDelete