New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): Indian companies Tata Advanced Systems and Nibe Limited have emerged as the lowest bidders in the Indian Army’s tender to procure 840 loitering munitions with a range of more than 100 kilometers, valued at around Rs 1,600 crore, according to defence sources.
Tata Advanced Systems has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) and is expected to supply 64 percent of the 840 loitering munitions required by the Indian Army’s Artillery division. The second lowest bidder (L2), Nibe Defence, is expected to supply the remaining 36 percent of the drones.
Under the proposed arrangement, the Tata Group is likely to receive orders worth around Rs 1,000 crore, while Nibe Limited’s share is expected to be around Rs 600 crore.
The Indian Army had opened price bids for the procurement of 100-kilometer-plus loitering munitions under fast-track procedures a few days ago, sources said. Only three vendors successfully cleared the technical evaluation stage of the project.
The three vendors included Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), Nibe Limited, which offered its Vayuastra system based on Skystriker drones, and A-Vision.
The Indian Army will now invite the L1 and L2 bidders for price negotiations before moving ahead with the procurement process.
The Army has been rapidly modernising its artillery capabilities with dedicated drone batteries and regiments as part of its preparations for next-generation warfare. The Shaktibaan regiments have been established to conduct drone warfare operations, supported by Divyastra batteries. Bhairav battalions have also been equipped with drones for carrying out strikes against enemy targets.
According to estimates, the Indian Army is planning to procure around one lakh drones for various operational requirements. The Artillery Directorate is expected to induct drones with ranges between 50 kilometers and 1,000 kilometers over the next 12 to 18 months through fast-track procedures.
The Indian Army is also preparing a tender for 36 jet-powered drones, estimated to be worth around Rs 1,500 crore, which is expected to be divided between L1 and L2 bidders. (ANI)
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