Mumbai, July 24, 2005 (UNI)

In a landmark development, the Rs 13,268-crore diversified conglomerate Larsen Toubro (L T) has received a Request For Proposal (RFP) from the Ministry of Defence for the production of ‘Pinaka’ rocket launchers for the Indian Army to provide a decisive edge to the force in the modern artillery warfare.

"The project is in the production mode now. We developed, built the prototypes, and tested them in association with the DRDO. Now we have received RFP from the Army," said M V Kotwal, senior vice president (heavy engineering) of L T, adding the product delivery would take place in three years.

According to industry sources, this is the first missile production contract awarded to a private sector company after the ministry of defence decided to entrust contracts to private sector.

Developed by DRDO, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher weapon area system can fire rockets with a range of 40 km, in a salvo mode of 12 rockets and can deliver 1.2 tonnes of high explosives within 44 seconds.

The L T will produce rocket launchers for two Army regiments. The order and price negotiations are expected to be finalised by this year end, company sources said.

The complete system comprises a launch vehicle, command post besides, a loader/replenishment vehicle. The system consists of three batteries of six launchers each.

Each launcher can neutralise a football field size battle ground and is meant as a supplement to the existing artillery system at a range beyond 30-km. It can be fitted with a variety of warheads ranging from blast-cum-pre-fragmented high explosives to anti-tank mines, and is inexpensive than the international competition.

Stating the Government decision to allow private participation in defence sector as a major policy shift in the positive direction, Mr Kotwal said there was a need to amend the acquisition procedures.

"The policy has been changed, but the implementation in the form of procedures is yet to happen. These should be in place so that private parties can also participate in the mass production, which will provide more value to the user and reduce the project cost."