CALM Systems to Bolster Indian Army's Armored and Mechanized Forces

The Indian Army is poised to significantly bolster its armored and mechanized infantry capabilities with the impending acquisition of Canister-Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munition (CALM) systems.

These cutting-edge weapon systems grant frontline troops a potent remote-controlled attack capability with a focus on destroying enemy armor.

India's CALM procurement initiative aims to integrate these systems onto a diverse array of combat platforms. These include the T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks, BMP-2 armored vehicles, carrier mortar tracked vehicles, and battlefield reconnaissance vehicles.

With CALM integration, Indian Army units will gain the ability to engage hostile targets from a safe distance and beyond their direct line of sight.

The acquisition plan envisions the procurement of 180 CALM systems. Each system will be armed with a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead.

These loitering munitions will have an impressive operational range of 15 km, allowing for the pinpoint targeting of enemy armored vehicles from well outside their direct fire zones.

Key Requirements for CALM Systems​

The Indian Army has articulated a set of crucial requirements for the CALM systems it plans to acquire:

• High-Altitude Launch Capability: Given India's mountainous terrain, the CALM systems must be capable of launch from altitudes reaching 4,500 meters above sea level.
• Lightweight and Portable: The loitering munitions and their associated canisters must have a maximum weight of 25 kgs to ensure ease of deployment and rapid tactical mobility.
• Pneumatic Launch and Electric Propulsion: A heated gas pneumatic launch system will propel the munitions from their canisters, followed by electric propulsion for sustained flight.
• Extended Loiter Time: The munitions must have a minimum airborne loiter time of 15 minutes at maximum range and an overall endurance of at least 60 minutes, maximizing opportunities for target acquisition and selection.

Beyond the Specifications​

The integration of CALM systems into the Indian Army's armored and mechanized formations promises to deliver tangible battlefield advantages.

Their loitering ability, coupled with a substantial operating range, will allow for flexible and adaptable strike options while keeping Indian forces at a safe distance from retaliatory fire.

Furthermore, CALM systems will be an invaluable asset in high-altitude battlefields, especially in mountainous regions where terrain poses challenges for traditional direct-fire weapons.

The Indian Army's planned acquisition of CALM systems stands as a testament to its ongoing modernization efforts.

This move emphasizes the incorporation of advanced technologies to strengthen both defensive and offensive capabilities along the country's borders.

 

[Hari Sud]

Who will supply this…… Indian private sector or from outside of India.

 

[Arz786]

Who will supply this…… Indian private sector or from outside of India.

There is a Hyderabad based company that is a basically a subsidiary of the Israeli company U-Vision. They are likely to package their product under an Indian name, assemble it here and supply. They already won a contract under Emergency Procurement.

 

[sanket]

Hope in Future the No may Increase . Can any pvt Players can develop it.

 

[Hari Sud]

There is a Hyderabad based company that is a basically a subsidiary of the Israeli company U-Vision. They are likely to package their product under an Indian name, assemble it here and supply. They already won a contract under Emergency Procurement.

Thank you……. Much better arrangement than outright import.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Who will supply this…… Indian private sector or from outside of India.

I think this contract is under Indian designed and manufactured category.

 

[Arz786]

I think this contract is under Indian designed and manufactured category.

This Hyderabad based company claims to have 60% indigenous content (IC) that allows it to participate under BUY Indian and IDDM category. Of course these IC content declarations are in form of undertaking and are not audited. Audit will happen for large orders only given the bandwidth constraint of Defence Accounts service.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

This Hyderabad based company claims to have 60% indigenous content (IC) that allows it to participate under BUY Indian and IDDM category. Of course these IC content declarations are in form of undertaking and are not audited. Audit will happen for large orders only given the bandwidth constraint of Defence Accounts service.

Well even if it is not 60%, 50% is also good. Also 60% is bare minimum. It means that it can be greater than 60% . It is about cost. If it is cheaper to import then it would be 60%, if not then they would develop indigenously.