SOURCE: AFI
In a significant development for India’s defense manufacturing sector, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) has entered into a strategic partnership with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the Mounted Gun System (MGS) programme. This collaboration, confirmed by AWEIL’s Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) AK Maurya, aims to address the Indian Army’s requirement for 814 Mounted Gun Systems, a critical component of its artillery modernization efforts. The partnership underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its indigenous defense capabilities and aligns with the “Make in India” initiative, fostering self-reliance in defense production.
The MGS is a 155 mm/52 calibre artillery system mounted on a high-mobility vehicle, offering a balance between the mobility of wheeled platforms and the firepower of traditional towed or tracked guns. With a requirement for 814 units, the programme represents a significant opportunity for Indian defense manufacturers to showcase their technological prowess and contribute to the nation’s defense preparedness.
AWEIL’s Dhanush gun, which has already been inducted into the Indian Army, serves as a foundation for the MGS programme. The upgraded Dhanush, with a firing range of 42 kilometers, offers improved maneuverability and precision, making it a strong contender for adaptation into a mounted configuration. L&T’s expertise in integrating advanced electronics, mobility solutions, and fire control systems is expected to enhance the Dhanush platform, ensuring it meets the Army’s requirements for a modern, mobile artillery system.
The partnership also builds on L&T’s prior success with the K9 Vajra-T, which has been deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The company’s ability to deliver 100 K9 Vajra-T guns ahead of schedule under a Rs 7,628.70 crore contract signed in December 2024 demonstrates its capacity to execute large-scale defense projects efficiently. This track record is likely to instill confidence in the Indian Army as it evaluates the AWEIL-L&T proposal for the MGS programme.
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