Army's M777 deal well on track, contract to be signed soon

[Abingdonboy]

India: Howitzer Buyback on Track
By VIVEK RAGHUVANSHI
Published: 16 Dec 2011 14:24
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NEW DELHI - India is going ahead with the purchase of M777 Ultra Light Howitzers from the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems, Defence Ministry officials said, refuting media reports here that that the project has run into "rough weather."

One ministry official said the $650 million, 145-gun deal is on track and will proceed quickly.

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In a press statement, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said user trials of the gun have been completed, with maintainability testing and an evaluation by the Director General of Quality Assurance still to come.

Antony told the Indian parliament on Dec. 12 that India is looking at buying the guns through the U.S. government's Foreign Military Sales program.

The procurement was stalled after a report on the trials was released, but the program is back on track now, Antony said.

"The field evaluation trial report of the guns was a confidential document. Four pages of draft field trial report were received in an anonymous envelope by the Army headquarters. An enquiry in the matter is underway," the minister said.

Army officials want the howitzers quickly to boost firepower in high-altitude battlegrounds. A 2008 attempt to buy the guns was canceled in late 2009 after bidder Singapore Technologies was alleged to have been involved in kickbacks. In early 2010, Army officials gave the nod to the other bidder, BAE Systems. Singapore Technologies responded early this year with a lawsuit meant to stay the deal with BAE. The lawsuit is still in the hearing stage.

India: Howitzer Buyback on Track - Defense News






YES,YES- I KNEW IT. THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!

 

[d14gtc]

Thats an Excellent news

 

[kaykay]

hehe finally.....after a long long time.....

 

[Rajaraja Chola]

So after a long time after BOFORS
Welcome !!!

 

[NirmalKrish]

awesome news, time to pack a punch on the western borders against the rogue terror outfits blow them to smithereens.

 

[sancho]

With IAs track record in the howitzer procurement, I say: "I belive it, when I see them"!

 

[aanshu001]

With IAs track record in the howitzer procurement, I say: "I belive it, when I see them"!

true very true mate

 

[perplexed]

WOOOOWWW

 

[T90TankGuy]

good going . hope these will bolster the new artillery division coming up in the eastern theater.

 

[Abingdonboy]

 

[Night_Raven]

IA Artillery upgrade with M777 light-weight howitzers ... about time !

 

[illusion8]

Antony is the one of the best Defense Ministers India has had.

 

[satishkumarcsc]

Antony is the one of the best Defense Ministers India has had.

Are you kidding? or is it sarcasm?

 

[janon]

Are you kidding? or is it sarcasm?

Who, in your opinion has been better, and why?

 

[Hulk]

the person responsible to sign the deal is my close relative. I recently asked him what's progress, he refused to give information. I am proud of him.