India boosts defence capabilities for army and navy amid border tensions
The VSHORAD missile from the DRDO is test-fired in late 2022. Although the VSHORAD is approved for the Indian Army, it is still under development. (Photo: Indian MoD)
Procurement of helicopter-launched antitank guided missiles, as well as man-portable air defence missiles, are approved for the Indian Army.
Compelled by ongoing tensions on India’s northern and northeast borders, India’s Defence Acquisition Council cleared acceptances of necessity (AoN) for two army and one navy proposals on 10 January.
Valued at $526 million, they include 500 Helina missile launchers and very short-range (VSHORAD) air defence missiles for the Indian Army, and BrahMos launcher and fire control systems for Shivalik-class frigates and next-generation missile vessels of the Indian Navy.
The army has attempted to procure around 5,300 VSHORAD systems in the past. The latest effort was in 2018 when the Igla-S won a controversial tender against Saab’s RBS 70 NG
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system]()
British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system
Developed by a Thales UK-led industry consortium, the demonstrator has been designed to explore the potential of radiofrequency weapons for the UK Armed Forces and is being trialled by the British Army.
-
![Hanwha Aerospace to jointly produce guided missiles in Poland]()
Hanwha Aerospace to jointly produce guided missiles in Poland
The joint venture between Hanwha Aerospace and Poland’s WB Group will see them locally produce CGR80 missiles for the Homar-K multiple rocket launch system, with the first batch produced by 2028.
-
![BAE Systems takes another step towards restarting M777 howitzer production]()
BAE Systems takes another step towards restarting M777 howitzer production
The M777 155mm lightweight howitzer is in service with more than six countries and has been heavily used in Ukraine. The latest contract is part of an effort to restart the manufacture of M777 towed howitzers.
-
![British Army’s commitment to L118 105mm light gun may be death knell for Light Fires Platform]()
British Army’s commitment to L118 105mm light gun may be death knell for Light Fires Platform
The UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) was running the programme for the Light Fires Platform (LFP) which was touted as the replacement for the 105mm L118 Light Gun used by the Royal Artillery (RA) regular and reserve units.
