Image source: topwar.ru
The Indian Army has published a procurement notice, according to which it expects proposals from foreign partners regarding the possibility of supplying barrage anti-tank ammunition, which received the local abbreviation CALM.
- it says in the commercial request.
As indicated in the Janes publication, container-type launchers should be installed on T-72 Ayeja, T-90 Bhishma, BMP-2 Sarath tanks, self-propelled mortars and reconnaissance vehicles. The scale of the purchase is small (as it is expected to deploy its own production): New Delhi intends to purchase 180 CALM systems along with 45 control stations, 14 simulators, 14 training systems with inert warheads.
The required range of CALM ammunition should reach 15 km, flight altitude – up to 4,500 m, the weight of the PU together with the combat filling – up to 25 kg, the duration of stay in the air – at least 60 minutes, the drone should be able to circle over the target for at least 15 minutes (included in the flight hour). The armament of the UAV should consist of a cumulative warhead designed to destroy armored vehicles. The CALM must be started using a pneumatic system.
As retired Major General P.K. Sehgal explained to Sputnik India, only five countries in the world produce anti-tank barrage ammunition: Russia, China, Iran, the United States and Israel. According to him, India places great emphasis on the independent production of military products and full technology transfer. While both Russia and Israel may be willing to do this, America is probably not interested in such a deal.
- the general noted.
Image source: topwar.ru
As he explained, if Russia had offered the same conditions as for the BrahMos missile, which is the most successful joint venture between Moscow and New Delhi, this would have made it the strongest contender for the supply of barrage ammunition [probably referring to the Lancet].
According to him, if the Russian Federation offers technology transfer and provides all the components, it will become the leader in this tender, despite its participation in the conflict in Ukraine.
- He warned.
The general explained that, like the BrahMos project, New Delhi would like not only joint production, but also joint design and future improvements. If any improvements are made to the weapons platform in India or Russia, then these technologies should be automatically distributed between both countries.
Sehgal noted.
