Aerospace Diary

19th February 2016 - 9:54 by  Neelam Mathews  in Delhi  BAE Systems has  down-selected Mahindra Defence & Aerospace  as its business partner for a proposed in-country Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) facility for ultra-lightweight howitzers for the Indian Army.  Discussions are ongoing between the US and India for a foreign military sale (FMS) of 145  M777A2 howitzers. ‘It is logical for the two companies to partner because of historical proximity and significant investments that both have made over time in an effort to work with each other,’ Rahul Gangal, a partner at Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, told  Shephard . Although a 2008  joint venture for mine-protected vehicles  between BAE Systems and Mahindra was later reversed, the former had capitalised resources within Mahindra. These processes ‘are as valuable as work share’, a vendor said. Furthermore, ...Read more ...subscription ShephardMedia

by  Neelam Mathews   Jan 26, 2016 Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s intention to acquire Rafale fighters from Dassault and military helicopters from Airbus, in talks with President François Hollande. France’s nine-year wait for a contract from India for the Rafale is not quite over, but an inter-government agreement covering acquisition of 36 fighters was signed during President François Hollande’s visit to New Delhi on January 26. Invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be the chief guest at India's Republic Day military parade in New Delhi, Hollande also joined the Indian leader in witnessing the confirmation of a previously announced partnership between Mahindra Defence and Airbus Helicopters. The Rafale signing “has effectively transformed the nature of the transaction from a commercial bid to a government to government sale,” Rahul Gangal, partner with consultancy group Roland and Berger, told  AIN . While Dassault Aviation...

LAND WARFARE India’s medium tank won’t clash with Arjun 27th August 2015 - 9:00 by  Neelam Mathews  in Delhi  The Indian defence minister, Manhoar Parrikar, has stated that Indian Army requirements for a medium tank are not in conflict with the  Arjun  Main Battle Tank (MBT). He said on 4 August that the need for 2,545  FRCV medium tanks  are to meet futuristic requirements beyond 2027 and won’t affect orders for Arjun. Meanwhile, Shephard has learned that the date for submission for the Army’s Request for Information (RFI) for the FRCV design has been extended to 30 August. This is because industry was finding it difficult to respond to the initial six week deadline. According to the RFI, ‘the FRCV will form the base platform for the MBT which is planned to replace the existing T-72 tanks in the Armoured Corps.’ While the skimpy six-page RFI has been criticized on its sketchy details an official said that it is ‘just an attempt ...