DRDO in dialogue with major Indian firms to develop howitzers

A A

PTI: New Delhi, Jan 06 2013, 10:42 IST

DRDO is in talks with major private and public sector firms like Tata, Mahindra, L&T and BEL for developing an indigenous advanced artillery howitzer for the Army.

The premier defence research agency recently held an interaction with the stakeholders to explore the feasibility of involving Indian industries in the development of Advance Towed Artillery Guns System (ATAGS), DRDO officials said.

"Objective of the interaction was to explore and encourage participation of Indian industries in the ATAGS project and generate a base for its design, development,

manufacturing and integration," one of the officials said.

DRDO is currently developing the 155 mm, 52 calibre ATAGS at the Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE).

Some of the major private and public sector firms which participated in the interaction were Tata Power, L&T, Bharat Forge, Mahindra Defence System, BHEL and BEL, the officials said.

Improved firepower at longer ranges, higher accuracy and enhanced survivability are some of the primary requirements for this gun system, they said.

"Efforts are being made to develop new technologies for weapon platforms, automation and control systems, recoil management, materials to achieve improved weapon performance," another official said.

After the Bofors gun controversy in 1986, no new gun has been procured by the army for its artillery units.

The army is also hoping to induct the Bofors guns manufactured indigenously by the Ordnance Factory Board at its facilities in Jabalpur.

Ads by Google

Chinese auto major Great Wall Motors looks at Gujarat for its plant Om Metals partners Mahindra Lifespaces for a housing projectQuick view Mahindra 2 Wheelers to start export of motorbikes

Previous Story Lionel Messi targets record fourth Ballon d'Or Next Story BSES to pay Rs 10K for raising bills on disconnected meter

Reader's Comments (6)| Post a Comment

Parasitic Behemoth of Mediocrity

Renu | 06-Jan-2013Reply | Forward

Having seen the accomplishments of DRDO in the field of making state of the art Guest Rooms / Leisure Villas, it would be a viable idea to tie up commercial hotel chains. Beyond this, the Defence Reverse-engineering Development Organisation shall continue as parasite run by mediocre ego-blown scientists playing with lives of our servicemen.

WHERE IS THE RECORD OF PERFORMANCE BY DRDO?

Paul K | 06-Jan-2013Reply | Forward

Whatever DRDO achieved in developing, alone or with private sector collaboration, products like defense weapons or equipment must be clearly published. This information can be denied by this organization suspected to be such a huge public waster of tax payer money as any military secret. Even a humanitarian objective of retaining good scientists for better environment abroad, or better pay within India has not been fulfilled, as available information is silent on this. The only open secret about DRDO seems to be that it comes up with a balance sheet with only costs and no benefits to the cause of India's defense. The public will supports he reported joint endeavor of DRDO with private participation, i on a trial basis, if there is if they are convinced of any new and drastic strategy to change the DRDO profile.