BAE-Mahindra venture expects to start India Howitzer trial by march

Defense Land Systems India, Mahindra and BAE Systems joint venture will bid for Indian Army artillery contract with the model FH77 B05 towed howitzer. Mark Simpkins, vice president and general manager at BAE Systems India (Services) Pvt. Ltd., said that the U.K.-based defense and aerospace company also expects to start trials for the M777 ultra-light howitzer in India by the end of 2010. Mr. Simpkins said the initial order for the M777 howitzer is likely to be for 145 units, which could increase to 1,000 units in the future. BAE Monday also unveiled a mine protected vehicle at DefExpo 2010, which it aims to sell to armed forces. Mr. Simpkins added that the company is exploring opportunities in naval defense in India, particularly relating to design and construction of ships. Providing details on its global strategy, Simpkins said: "We are working on a worldwide strategy called home market, which means through JVs, partnerships and acquisitions, we will do all of that in a country to manufacture products, develop and design and provide support for the armed forces of that country."