The Indian Army has sent out a Request For Information (RFI) for weighing less than 25 tonnes. The move comes in the midst of a standoff in Eastern Ladakh, where the need for a light tank for installation in high-altitude areas was felt (HAA).
The RFI dated April 22 and published on Friday stated that the Defence Ministry intends to procure a “new generation combat vehicle platform, approximately 350 Light Tanks in a phased manner, along with performance-based logistics, niche technologies, engineering support package, and other maintenance and training requirements.” “The last date of acceptance of receipt of response is June 18, 2021,” the RFI stated.
The Defence Ministry intends to obtain a “new generation combat vehicle platform, approximately 350 Light Tanks in a progressive manner, alongside performance-based logistics, niche technologies, engineering support package, and many other maintenance and training requirements,” according to the RFI dated April 22 and published on Friday. The RFI stated that the “last date of acceptance of receipt of response is June 18, 2021.”
Prior to the standoff, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army deployed Type-15 light tanks along the LAC, and the Indian Army responded by implementing T-72 and T-90 Main Battle Tanks on the south bank of the Pangong Tso.
According to the specifications, the main armament should include a multi-weapon, modular, and upgradable weapon system capable of destroying and countering a variety of threats. It should also have multiple anti-aircraft and ground weapons of varying calibre, as well as a remote control weapon station. The tank’s ammunition should be modern advance multipurpose “smart munitions” with gun tube launched anti-tank guided missile. The tank should have an auxiliary power unit, a preheater, an environment control unit, and anti-drone capability, including UAV jammers and network connectivity.
The RFI also expressed that the most important criteria is that it requires a light weight versatile weapon platform with enhanced tactical, operational, and strategic mobility, with more options for use in “HAA, marginal terrain, and amphibious operations.” The RFI requests that vendors specify the overall time frame for delivery under various kit configurations.
