Nexter, L&T, Ashok Leyland tie up for army project

L&T will be the prime contractor, Nexter will transfer integration and chassis will be from Leyland

Ashok Leyland Defence Systems has formed a consortium agreement with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Nexter Systems for the mounted gun systems (MGS) artillery programme of the Indian army.

The partnership was signed at Eurosasory, the world's largest defence exhibition, between Nexter, L&T and Ashok Leyland.

It may be noted Nexter and L&T have already joined hands for the towed gun system programme of the Indian army, by proposing the TRAIAN, which is under evaluation.

Under the current agreement, L&T will act as the prime contractor and Nexter will transfer the final integration and production of the MGS artillery system in India to L&T.

The system proposed by the consortium for the MGS programme is called CAESAR artillery system with 6x6 Super Stallion chassis from Ashok Leyland.

It may be noted the Indian version of the CAESAR was displayed at the Defexpo show in New Delhi in February.

According to Ashok Leyland, the partnership among the three companies is based on delivering the best solution and value to the Indian army.

The customisation of the systems to fulfil the requirements of the Indian army will be done in co-operation between the three companies.