(Image source from: Big boost for Make in India)

BAE Systems announced the selection of as its India partner for the $700 million deal for the supply of 145 M777 Howitzers, which are ultralight weight artillery guns having a strike range of 25 kms. “BAE Systems has down-selected Mahindra as its business partner for the proposed in-country Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) facility for the M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzer,” BAE said in a statement.

“BAE Systems looks forward to working with Mahindra in the coming weeks to finalize details of this AIT facility and to negotiate the terms of its contractual arrangement,” the company said.

BAE has developed and submitted a US government-supported proposal last year offering a higher degree of indigenisation on the M777 weapon system. The commitment was to establish AIT capabilities in India in partnership with a domestic Indian company.

“The selection follows a detailed assessment of Mahindra’s ability to fulfil the requirements and provide the best value to the M777 India programme, and in the future, grow its capability as a strategic partner for BAE Systems in India,” it said.

Joe Senftle, Vice President and General Manager, Weapon Systems, BAE Systems said that as a founding partner of defence manufacturing in India, BAE Systems “is pleased to partner with Mahindra“.

“We will continue to support the two Governments to progress to contract agreement so that we may begin the process of ‘Make in India’ for M777,” Senftle said.

“Mahindra M777 facility will also ensure that the life cycle support is available locally thereby enhancing operational availability of the guns,” SP Shukla, Group President, Mahindra Defence & Aerospace, Mahindra Group, said.

By Premji