The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is seeking to bolster its battlefield capabilities with a global tender process aimed at acquiring Canister-Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munition (CALM) systems for the Indian Army.
This underscores India's determination to equip its forces with advanced weaponry as it continues to modernize its defence infrastructure.
Russian Interest and Joint Production
Russian military expert Dmitry Kornev sees India's CALM tender as an opportunity to strengthen defence cooperation between the two nations.Kornev proposes a joint-production model, with India tasked with the assembly process and software development of the loiter munitions. This collaborative approach, he suggests, could increase the international acceptance of India's use of such systems.
Advantages of Loiter Munitions
Loiter munitions, sometimes referred to as "kamikaze drones" or "suicide drones", are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with the ability to linger over a target area for extended periods. Their surveillance capabilities and precision strike potential offer significant tactical benefits in a variety of combat scenarios.The canister-launched format sought by India promotes rapid deployment and flexibility on the battlefield – a key advantage in the context of India's complex border environments.
India's Open Tender Approach
India's decision to issue a global tender indicates an open approach to potential suppliers of these CALM systems.While Russia has expressed interest, the outcome of the bidding process will ultimately determine India's chosen partner for this crucial defence acquisition.
The successful bidder will play a significant role in the modernization of the Indian Army's capabilities.
