BAE Systems to start India trials for towed howitzer in March

New Delhi: BAE Systems Ltd is lining up for a potential double whammy in the Indian defence market with trials of its FH77 B05 L52 towed howitzer due to start by early March. This contract with the Indian Army is worth a potential 410 units. The UK-based defence and aerospace company also expects to start trials for the M777 ultra-light howitzer in India by the end of 2010.

FH77 B05 L52 towed howitzer

The FH77 B05 will be manufactured and marketed in India by Defense Land Systems India, BAE's joint venture with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Mahindra & Mahindra has a diverse portfolio of automobiles and is India's largest sports-utility vehicle manufacturer by sales.

According to Mark Simpkins, vice president and general manager at BAE Systems India (Services) Pvt. Ltd, the initial order for the M777 howitzer is likely to be for 145 units.

BAE has also unveiled a mine protected vehicle at the ongoing DefExpo 2010, which it aims to sell to the Indian armed forces as well as paramilitaries. Simpkins also informed the media that the company would explore opportunities in the naval sector, particularly relating to design and construction of ships.

Providing details on its global strategy, Simpkins said: "We are working on a worldwide strategy called home market, which means through JVs, partnerships and acquisitions, we will do all of that in a country to manufacture products, develop and design and provide support for the armed forces of that country."