BAE gives a boost to Mahindra, Make in India campaign and Indian Armed Forces!

BAE systems, an international corporation in the field of defence, aerospace and security, has agreed to a landmark deal with Mahindra Group. The British firm has selected the Indian company for in-country Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) facility for the M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzer. M777 Howitzer is an artillery gun used mostly by ground forces of various countries, currently deployed by the US and Canada.

“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,” said BAE on an occasion.

Expressing his pleasure over the deal, Dr. Joe Senftle, Vice President of Weapon Systems in BAE Systems, added, "As a founding partner of defence manufacturing in India, BAE Systems is pleased to partner with Mahindra on our offer to develop an Assembly, Integration and Test facility in India. The facility is a fundamental part of the M777 production line. A domestic Assembly, Integration and Test facility will enable the Indian Army to access maintenance, spares and support for the M777 locally. 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."

The tie-up is a major boost for “Make in India” campaign, which primarily aims at bringing investments to the country. India has always struggled when it came to manufacturing of weapons and depends heavily on exports from Israel and Russia. The agreement will also help Indian forces in logistics while using made-in-India weapons.

Reasserting its commitment to the “Make in India” campaign, SP Shukla, Group President, Mahindra Defence & Aerospace was quoted as, "Mahindra and BAE Systems share the same values and common vision towards 'Make in India'. BAE Systems is one of the largest defence companies globally and we could not have a better partner.”

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