In episode 1626 of Cut The Clutter, Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta and Deputy Editor Snehesh Alex Philip break down the challenges with this deal, and the future of Indian artillery.
60% of the contract, which involves 307 howitzers and 327 towing vehicles, will go to Bharat Forge, which emerged as lowest bidder, and 40% to Tata Advanced Systems.
Bharat Forge already has a contract with Armenia for ATAGS. The west Asian country is angling for a larger order after the successful induction and performance of the gun system.
The sale of indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, which is yet to be inducted into the Indian Army, is a revelation. Defence ministry mum on which country made the purchase.
A bad turn in Venezuela would raise the same questions that have dogged the unlawful US strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean: Why now, and why at all?
The latest comment comes as New Delhi and Washington have yet to sign a trade agreement. India’s purchase of Russian oil has reduced, but Moscow remains top source for crude.
If deal goes through, Greece will be 2nd foreign country to procure vehicle. Morocco was first; TATA Group has set up manufacturing unit there with minimum 30 percent indigenous content.
Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.
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