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Mumbai/New Delhi: Ashok Leyland (ALL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Bharat Forge, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) are among those who have bid for a $10-billion (R44,000 core) defence ministry contract to supply combat vehicles for the Indian Army. The size of the tender is comparable to the one for combat aircraft being finalised by the ministry.
The ministry will shortlist two vendors for Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICVs) by July end, based on technical and commercial criteria under the 'buy & make' category. Under this category, only Indian companies with technical and financial capabilities are asked to submit bids.
Infantry combat vehicles are armoured vehicles carrying soldiers and supporting main battle tanks with firepower in war. Their armour is lighter than main tanks' but heavier than armoured personnel carriers'.
While ALL and L&T have bid as a team, state-owned Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) is also believed to be in the fray. The defenceministry was yet to respond to an email query sent to it several days ago on the subject.
The Army would require 2,610 FICVs to replace the existing, Soviet-vintage 'Sarath' BMP-II combat vehicles built by OFB. Sarath has been in service for around 31 years, and will be phased out from 2017. Confirming ALL's involvement, V Sumantran, executive vice-chairman, Hinduja Automotive UK, said: "We are working on the FICV project with L&T."
Subodh Tandale, Bharat Forge executive director, also confirmed the firm's interest in the contract, saying, "We are working on the FICV project and will not just be a component supplier but participate on a bigger scale." A Tata Motors official confirmed participation in the project but was unwilling to go on record. Kutub Hai, head, Mahindra Defence Systems, said: "We are one of the shortlisted companies and are now waiting for the final shortlist which should be out byend of July or early August."
In the early stages of selecting a new combat vehicle, the Army headquarters outlines its existing capabilities and future requirements, indicating its long-term requirement in terms of numbers, time schedule, fund availability and technologies. This is scrutinised by a committee before listing it as a 'buy & make (Indian)' project.
Indian firms reputed to have requisite technical and financial capabilities to undertake such projects are invited to bid and shortlisted. The winner will be expected to build 70% of the vehicle.
As per India's defence procurement rules framed in 2008, the FICVs will be built in an integrated manner involving the Army, the defence ministry and the industry in aspects of research, design, development and production of systems. Detailed specifications for FICVs are still being outlined. According to sources, the FICV is expected to be half-tracked and half-wheeled, and a combat vehicle ready for inland warfare.
Auto cos, L&T vie for Army's $10-bn combat vehicle order
IDK if anyone caught this in the article....
wtf
The ministry will shortlist two vendors for Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICVs) by July end, based on technical and commercial criteria under the 'buy & make' category. Under this category, only Indian companies with technical and financial capabilities are asked to submit bids.
Infantry combat vehicles are armoured vehicles carrying soldiers and supporting main battle tanks with firepower in war. Their armour is lighter than main tanks' but heavier than armoured personnel carriers'.
While ALL and L&T have bid as a team, state-owned Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) is also believed to be in the fray. The defenceministry was yet to respond to an email query sent to it several days ago on the subject.
The Army would require 2,610 FICVs to replace the existing, Soviet-vintage 'Sarath' BMP-II combat vehicles built by OFB. Sarath has been in service for around 31 years, and will be phased out from 2017. Confirming ALL's involvement, V Sumantran, executive vice-chairman, Hinduja Automotive UK, said: "We are working on the FICV project with L&T."
Subodh Tandale, Bharat Forge executive director, also confirmed the firm's interest in the contract, saying, "We are working on the FICV project and will not just be a component supplier but participate on a bigger scale." A Tata Motors official confirmed participation in the project but was unwilling to go on record. Kutub Hai, head, Mahindra Defence Systems, said: "We are one of the shortlisted companies and are now waiting for the final shortlist which should be out byend of July or early August."
In the early stages of selecting a new combat vehicle, the Army headquarters outlines its existing capabilities and future requirements, indicating its long-term requirement in terms of numbers, time schedule, fund availability and technologies. This is scrutinised by a committee before listing it as a 'buy & make (Indian)' project.
Indian firms reputed to have requisite technical and financial capabilities to undertake such projects are invited to bid and shortlisted. The winner will be expected to build 70% of the vehicle.
As per India's defence procurement rules framed in 2008, the FICVs will be built in an integrated manner involving the Army, the defence ministry and the industry in aspects of research, design, development and production of systems. Detailed specifications for FICVs are still being outlined. According to sources, the FICV is expected to be half-tracked and half-wheeled, and a combat vehicle ready for inland warfare.
Auto cos, L&T vie for Army's $10-bn combat vehicle order
IDK if anyone caught this in the article....
wtf
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The article is making Gen. Singh sound as if he's on an all out Asia war. 
