In a significant move to boost its artillery capabilities, the Indian Army has issued a tender worth Rs 6,500 crore for the procurement of 400 howitzers under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The tender, issued on August 15, 2023, is a major step towards modernizing the Army’s artillery fleet and enhancing its combat capabilities.
The tender invites Indian companies to participate in the manufacturing of 400 howitzers, with a minimum of 50% indigenous content. The howitzers will be used to replace the Army’s aging fleet of artillery guns, which have been in service for several decades.
The ‘Make in India’ initiative, launched by the government in 2014, aims to promote indigenous manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign imports. The Army’s decision to issue a tender under this initiative reflects its commitment to supporting Indian industry and promoting self-reliance in defense production.
The procurement process will be carried out in two phases. In the first phase, the selected vendor will supply 120 howitzers, followed by an additional 280 howitzers in the second phase. The tender document outlines stringent quality and performance requirements, ensuring that the howitzers meet the Army’s operational needs.
Industry experts believe that the tender will attract significant interest from Indian companies, including Larsen & Toubro, Tata Power, and Mahindra Defense Systems. The procurement process is expected to be highly competitive, with companies vying for a share of the lucrative contract.
The Indian Army’s decision to procure howitzers under the ‘Make in India’ initiative is a significant step towards modernizing its artillery capabilities. The new howitzers will enhance the Army’s combat effectiveness and provide a significant boost to its operational preparedness.
