MORE BANG: BAE Systems will bid to replace the Bofors guns with 155-mm, 39-calibre Howitzers

UK’s Range Rover will also introduce its new range of military vehicles at the expo — the armoured Discovery 3 and the Military Range Rover 6x6.

In the larger military vehicles category, Tata Motors once again promises to wow people with its multi-axle vehicle — Tata 8x8. It is equipped with tiltable steering and tiltable cabin. “This eight-wheel drive vehicle can go anywhere, do anything,” says Noronha. The vehicle can cross trenches and carry surveillance systems. It can be mounted with large weapon systems such as missile launchers.

American arms major General Dynamics will bring an entire family of its eight-wheeled combat vehicles, called the Stryker, including an infantry carrier vehicle, a mobile gun system, and a light armoured vehicle. Stryker armoured vehicles are hooked with tactical communication network and can protect troops against rocket-propelled grenades.

PITCHING HARD: General Dynamics’ Stryker 8x8 (left) and a combat searchand-rescue handheld radio

UK’s BAE Systems will try to impress Indians with its M777 light-weight 155-mm, 39-calibre Howitzer, used by the American and British forces. BAE, which now owns Bofors, may face competition from Israel’s Soltam Systems.

BAE claims the gun to be the lightest of its kind in the world — made with titanium and aluminium alloys, it weighs 4,218 kg — and that it can be moved to another point in less than three minutes. It has an integrated digital fire control system, which allows a gunner to get it shooting within a minute from a cold start.

In fact, BAE will also be in the fray for the expected army orders for the 155-mm, 51-calibre guns, worth about $3-4 billion. Indian army plans to rationalise its inventory of artillery guns through purchases, upgrades and domestic manufacture over the next few years.

Communication Systems
Besides, the vehicles and guns, communication systems will also be in focus at the expo. General Dynamics will make a strong pitch for its mobile, off-the-shelf but scalable IP networking system for command, control, communication, and computing, which is being used by the US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. “This system is an excellent candidate for the Indian army’s tactical communication system requirements,” says the company spokesperson Rob Dolittle. The system includes the GoBook Tablet PC, a slate-like computer that can be used in rough conditions for computing and communication using a wireless network. It also includes combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) handheld radios that can exchange encrypted signals. These can also provide location of personnel. BAE will showcase its Falcon tactical communication system, which is used by the British Army.

Nearly 100,000 people are expected to visit the expo compared with about 50,000 during the 2006 edition. It is going to be one royal battle for the hearts and minds of Indian forces, politicians and the public.

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(Businessworld Issue 19 - 25 February 2008)