Defence ministry signs ₹2,500 crore deal with Armoured Vehicles Nigam, Force Motors and M&M

The Ministry of Defence on Thursday signed contracts worth around ₹2,500 crore with Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, Force Motors Ltd, and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd for the procurement of advanced anti-tank weapon platforms and light vehicles for the armed forces.

Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited bagged the contract to supply the Nag Missile System (NAMIS) Tracked version of anti-tank weapon platform, while Force Motors Ltd & Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd secured the deal to provide around 5,000 light vehicles for the armed forces.

The total cost of the contract for the procurement of the NAMIS(Tr) weapon system, developed by the Defence Research & Development Laboratory of DRDO, is ₹1,801.34 crore.

Equipped with a fire-and-forget anti-tank missile and advanced sighting system, NAMIS (Tr) is designed to provide enhanced firepower and lethality against enemy armour.

“The weapon system is set to transform the conduct of mechanised operation and offer operational advantage against the adversary,” an official statement said.

“It marks a significant milestone in the modernisation of the anti-tank capability of Mechanised Infantry, enhancing Indian Army’s operational readiness across a varied spectrum of operations.”

The light vehicles, designed with contemporary technology and enhanced engine power to carry an 800 kg payload, will ensure mobility for the armed forces across diverse terrains and operational conditions.

The agreements, under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

The procurements are expected to boost indigenisation and national defence manufacturing capabilities while generating significant direct and indirect employment opportunities, particularly for the MSME sector, through component manufacturing.

"The procurement marks a pivotal step towards modernising the country’s defence infrastructure and empowering indigenous industries, in line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat," the statement said.