Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 27: The Ministry of Defence has signed major contracts to enhance the Indian Army’s firepower and mobility, securing indigenous anti-tank missile systems and light vehicles in deals worth approximately Rs 2,500 crore.

One of the contracts, signed with the public-sector Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, is for the procurement of the Nag Missile System (NAMIS) Tracked Version, an advanced anti-tank weapon platform developed by the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) of DRDO. This Rs 1,801.34 crore deal is expected to significantly boost the mechanised infantry’s combat capabilities, improving the Army’s readiness for diverse operational scenarios.

NAMIS (Tr) is among the most advanced anti-tank weapon systems, equipped with a fire-and-forget missile and a sophisticated sighting mechanism for superior accuracy and impact. The induction of this system is set to revolutionise mechanised warfare by providing a critical tactical advantage on the battlefield.

In addition to the missile system, the Defence Ministry has signed agreements with Force Motors Ltd and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd to supply approximately 5,000 modern light vehicles to the armed forces. These vehicles, designed for enhanced performance with an 800 kg payload capacity, will ensure improved mobility across varied terrains and operational conditions.

Both contracts fall under the "Buy Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured" (Buy Indian-IDDM) category, reinforcing the government’s push for self-reliance in defence production under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The procurements are expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, generate significant employment opportunities, and support the growth of small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) involved in defence component production.

These acquisitions mark a crucial step in modernising India’s defence infrastructure while bolstering indigenous technological advancements in military hardware.