Deals inked for anti-tank weapon, light vehicles

It signed a ₹1,801-crore contract with Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited (AVNL) for NAMIS, paving the way for the induction of the anti-tank weapon system into the mechanised infantry. The army had secured approvals for NAMIS for reconnaissance and support battalions (13 Nag missile carriers and 293 missiles) around three years ago. NAMIS has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

The ministry also signed two deals with Force Motors Ltd and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd for around 5,000 light vehicles for the armed forces.

“It (the NAMIS contract) marks a significant milestone in the modernisation of the anti-tank capability of the mechanised infantry, enhancing the Indian Army’s operational readiness across a varied spectrum of operations,” the defence ministry said. It described NAMIS as one of the most sophisticated anti-tank weapon systems against enemy armour, with fire-and-forget anti-tank missiles and sighting systems for enhanced firepower and lethality.