• The government inked two contracts worth Rs 2,500 crore for procurement of anti-tank weapon platform Nag Missile System (NAMIS) tracked version, and 5,000 light vehicles

• These contracts under Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category were signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

• The defence ministry has signed a contract with Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited for the procurement of NAMIS tracked version of anti-tank weapon platform.

• The total cost of the contract for procurement of NAMIS (Tr) weapon system, developed by Defence Research & Development Laboratory of DRDO, is Rs 1,801.34 crore. 

• It marks a significant milestone in the modernisation of the anti-tank capability of the mechanised infantry, enhancing the Indian Army’s operational readiness across a varied spectrum of operations.

• NAMIS (Tr) is one of the most sophisticated anti-tank weapon systems  against enemy armour with fire-and-forget anti-tank missile and sighting system for enhanced firepower and lethality. 

• The weapon system is set to transform the conduct of mechanised operation and offer operational advantage against the adversary.

• The defence ministry has signed a contract with Force Motors Ltd and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd for around 5,000 light vehicles for the armed forces.

• Light vehicles are modern vehicles designed as per contemporary vehicle technology with enhanced engine power to cater to a payload of 800 kg. It will provide mobility to the armed forces in all types of terrain and operational conditions.

• The projects have immense potential of direct and indirect employment generation by encouraging the MSME sector through components' manufacturing.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)