At the ongoing DEFEXPO 2010, defence majors Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) and Raytheon Company announced teaming up in a L&T led proposal submitted this month to upgrade Indian Army T72 tanks, the company said in a regulatory filing.
Under the proposal, Raytheon will provide infrared imaging sights and electronics that will greatly improve target accuracy and increase overall system lethality on the battlefield for T72 tank battalions. Raytheon has provided 20,000 thermal sights in more than 15 countries.
“Through collaboration with L&T on this important proposal for the Indian Army, we have confirmed the very complementary capabilities leveraged across our companies,” said Fritz Treyz, Vice President, Raytheon Network Centric Systems India Operations.
“Together, we are exploring other opportunities to provide net-centric modernisation defense solutions to meet growing demands in India and the global marketplace.”
L&T will provide fire control system, sensors, and will accomplish the final integration along with the customer support. L&T brings in track record of development of fire control systems across multiple weapon systems across Land, Naval and Air Defense applications.
“L&T is the only Indian company in the private sector that is leading the tank upgrade programme. L&T and Raytheon combination has got what it takes to deliver on such an important programme,” said M V Kotwal, senior executive vice president and member of the Board, L&T.
“This beginning would lead to new avenues in Indian and global defense markets for both the partners working together.”