India Likely To Finalize Remote Weapon Stations Naval Contract With Elbit Systems

India is likely to finalize price negotiations with Israeli Elbit Systems for the procurement of 747 12.7 mm naval remote weapon stations (RWS) estimated at INR 19 billion ($282 million) for the navy and coast guard.

“The Indian MoD is expected to complete the RWS deal, which it quoted was "substantially lower" than that of British rival EMDigital,” IHS Janes quoted industry sources as saying Thursday.

The deal includes importing 136 RWSs with electro-optic modules off the shelf and the remaining 611 systems in kit form for assembly by the state-run Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) unit at Tiruchirappalli, southern India. Ammunition for the 12.7 mm RWSs would be manufactured at the OFB plant in Kolkata.

The Indian MoD had invited responses from foreign vendors in December last year to tender 118 30mm Naval Surface Guns (NSG) and 99,300 ammunition rounds for the navy and coast guard.

The tender was sent to 11 manufacturers, envisages importing 32 NSGs with Electro Optical Fire Control Systems in completed and kit form and licence-building the remaining 86 under the MoD's 'Buy and Make' category.