The Ministry of Defense has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure more than 20,000 new generation anti-tank missiles (ATGMs), and 1,500 explosives and simulators, for the Indian Army.
The move is aimed at improving the operational capabilities of the Army to effectively target and destroy tanks and other armored vehicles.
The procurement will come under the “Procurement (Indian-IDDM)” category, which mandates at least 60 percent indigenous content, a defense ministry source said. This approach prioritizes products designed, developed, and manufactured in India, ensuring that a minimum of 50% of the total contract value is from domestic sources.
The RFI aims to finalize the system quality requirements (SQRs), determine the procurement phase, and identify potential Indian vendors to supply new generation ATGMs and their launchers within four years of the contract award.
These ATGMs are expected to operate in different environments, including plains, deserts, altitudes up to 5,500 meters (18,000 feet), and coastal and island areas.
They will be strategically deployed along the western border of India and Pakistan and the northern border with China.
The new generation missiles should work well in both day and night conditions, adapting to various weather conditions such as rain, fog, humidity, and dust. Additionally, they are required to operate in temperatures ranging from -45°C to 45°C.
In terms of capabilities, ATGMs should be able to engage a range of targets, including enemy tanks, armored personnel carriers, low-flying helicopters, concrete structures, and other weapon platforms.
The design should also allow for modular development to meet future needs without requiring major structural changes. In addition, RFI insists that systems must be seamlessly integrated with existing platforms, ensuring that the functionality of any component is not disrupted.
This procurement initiative represents an important step in strengthening the capabilities of the Indian Army in modern warfare.
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