The 6th DefExpo saw some major JVs being announced between the global defence players and major Indian industrial houses like the TATA Group, Mahindra Group, the Kirloskar Brothers and Larsen and Toubro as well as DPSUs thus reinforcing the fact that the eyes of global defence market are turning to India to see whether it will fulfil its potential as a future ‘home market’. These ventures with foreign companies include cooperation on both strategic and product-specific bases covering the whole spectrum of defence needs of all the three armed forces; from equipment upgrades to producing land defence systems as well as providing homeland security equipment for the Indian paramilitary forces.

T-72 to Get a Facelift

L&T and Raytheon team-up for T-72 upgrade: In a major announcement, the DefExpo 2010 saw Indian engineering major Larson and Toubro teaming up with Raytheon for a proposal submitted by the former to the Indian Army regarding the up-gradation of T-72 tanks. Under the proposal, Raytheon will provide infrared imaging sights and electronics that will greatly improve target accuracy and increase overall system lethality on the battlefield for T72 tank battalions. Raytheon has provided 20,000 thermal sights in more than 15 countries.

“Through collaboration with L&T on this important proposal for the Indian Army, we have confirmed the very complementary capabilities leveraged across our companies,” said Fritz Treyz, vice president, Raytheon Network Centric Systems India Operations. “Together, we are exploring other opportunities to provide net-centric modernisation defence solutions to meet growing demands in India and the global marketplace.”

The Indian Army is set to spend Rs 5,000 crore on the three-decade-old T-72 tanks in its inventory. The upgradation will include replacing important systems like the fire control and main engine apart from adding the night vision capability to the tanks. There are approximately 2400 such tanks in the inventory. The upgradation will add another 15-20 years to the life of the tanks.
Larsen & Toubro will provide fire control system, sensors, and will accomplish the final integration along with the customer support. “L&T is the only Indian company in the private sector that is leading the tank upgrade programme. L&T and Raytheon combination has got what it takes to deliver on such an important program,” said M.V. Kotwal, senior executive vice president and Member of the Board, L&T. “This beginning would lead to new avenues in Indian and global defence markets for both the partners working together.”