A Nag missle on display during a defence exhibition. (Photo: Bhass1214/Creative Commons)
New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited for the procurement of the tracked version of NaMiS (Nag Missile System) anti-tank weapon platform and with Force Motors Ltd and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd for approximately 5,000 light vehicles for the country’s armed forces. These deals, worth around ₹2,500 crore, were signed under the “Buy Indian – Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM)” category.
The signing ceremony took place in New Delhi on Thursday in the presence of the defence secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh. This comes just a day after the defence ministry signed contracts worth ₹6,900 crore to buy advanced towed artillery guns (ATAGs) and high- mobility 6x6 gun-towing vehicles (HMGTV), as India Sentinels reported on Wednesday.
What is the NaMiS (Tr) Weapon System?
“NaMiS” stands for Nag Missile System, with “Tr” denoting the tracked version of the missile system. It is a comprehensive anti-tank weapon that includes both the missile and its delivery system as a complete unit.
The contract for the procurement of the NaMiS (Tr) weapon system, developed by the Defence Research & Development Laboratory of DRDO, is valued at ₹1,801.34 crore. This marks a significant milestone in modernizing the anti-tank capability of the Indian Army’s mechanized infantry, thereby enhancing the service’s operational readiness across a varied spectrum of operations.
NaMiS (Tr) is one of the most sophisticated anti-tank weapon systems designed to counter enemy armour, featuring fire-and-forget anti-tank missiles and an advanced sighting system for enhanced firepower and lethality. The weapon system is set to transform mechanized operations and provide operational advantages against adversaries.
Light Vehicles
The modern vehicles being procured are designed according to contemporary vehicle technology with enhanced engine power to accommodate a payload of 800 kilograms. They will provide mobility to the armed forces across all types of terrain and operational conditions.
Both procurements will boost indigenization and national defence equipment manufacturing capabilities. The projects have immense potential for generating direct and indirect employment by encouraging the MSME sector through components manufacturing. This procurement represents a big step toward modernizing India’s defence infrastructure and empowering indigenous industries.
