SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has initiated a global tender process to procure Canister-Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munition (CALM) systems for the Indian Army. This move highlights India’s focus on acquiring advanced weapon systems to bolster its border defenses.
Meanwhile, Russian military expert Dmitry Kornev has proposed Russia as a potential supplier for these CALM systems. He suggests a joint-production route, where India would assemble the systems and develop the software. This approach, according to Kornev, would enhance the legitimacy of these loiter munitions for India in the international arms market.
Loiter munitions, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with loitering capabilities, offer significant advantages on the battlefield. They can stay airborne for extended durations, conduct surveillance, and engage targets with high precision.
The canister-launched design of these CALM systems allows for ease of deployment and rapid response. This makes them particularly suited for the Indian Army’s needs, especially along its sensitive borders.
However, it’s important to note that India has issued a global tender, indicating they are open to offers from various countries. Whether India chooses Russia as a partner or selects another supplier through the tender process remains to be seen.