India to Procure Nag Missile Systems & 5,000 Light Military Vehicles
The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth Rs 2,500 crore ($292.12 million) to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Army. One contract is with Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) for the procurement of Nag Missile System (NAMIS) Tracked Version, an advanced anti-tank weapon platform designed to improve accuracy and effectiveness in combat. Additionally, the Defence Ministry has signed agreements with Force Motors Ltd and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd for the supply of around 5,000 light vehicles for the armed forces. These vehicles will enhance mobility and operational efficiency in various terrains. These deals are in line with the Government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (made in India) initiative, which will promote self-reliance in defence manufacturing and strengthen India’s military capabilities.
The NAMIS was developed by the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) of DRDO. Frontline mechanized infantry troops will use this advanced anti-tank weapon system with NAMIS (Tracked) being one of India’s most sophisticated anti-tank systems comprising fire-and-forget anti-tank missiles and a sighting system. Designed to destroy enemy armoured vehicles, this system increases the combat effectiveness of the Indian Army.
NAMIS Tracked, also known as NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier), is a third-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank missile mounted on the BMP-2 armored chassis. The missile is equipped with an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker, which locks on to the target before launch. It has an all-weather operational range of 500 meters to 4 kilometers and carries an 8-kg warhead that can reach speeds of up to 230 meters per second. The NAMICA vehicle can carry six Nag missiles in a ready-to-fire setup. It has a rapid launch capability, allowing all six missiles to be fired within just 20 seconds. This advanced system strengthens India’s defense capabilities by delivering powerful anti-tank strikes with high accuracy and speed.
The Light Vehicles procured for the Indian armed forces are designed with enhanced engine power to carry a payload of 800 kg. These utility vehicles from Force Motors Ltd and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. ensure high mobility across all types of terrain and operational conditions. Built for speed and efficiency, these vehicles help move troops to forward locations quickly, they build on the commercially available Gurkha series of untility 4x4s from Force. Force Motors will provide 2,978 while Mahindra & Mahindra will provide 1,986. Their compact design enables them to traverse rough terrain where larger vehicles might struggle. This procurement will strengthen the mobility and operational readiness of the Indian Army, and enhance its effectiveness in challenging environments.