L&T MBDA presents 5th generation of anti-tank guided missile at DefExpo 2018.

At DefExpo 2018, the International Defense and Security Exhibition in India, L&T MBDA Missile Systems Limited (L&T MBDA) promotes world class guided weapon systems technology for the Indian Armed Forces under the ‘Make in India’ initiative with a clear objective of indigenously developing, manufacturing and supplying highly advanced missiles and missile systems.

The 5th generation of ATGM anti-tank guided missile on the booth of  L&T MBDA Missile Systems Limited at DefExpo 2018, International Defense and Security Exhibition in Chennai, India. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The joint venture (JV) between Larsen & Toubro (L&T), India’s multinational engineering conglomerate and French-based Company MBDA, a world leader in missiles and missile systems, is offering opportunities under the ‘Buy (Indian – IDDM)’, ‘Buy (Indian)’, ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’ and ‘Make’ categories of defence procurement.

The main product showed at DefExpo 2018 on the booth of L&T MBDA Missile Systems Limited is a 5th generation of ATGM anti-tank guided missile with advanced features compared to other 3rd and 4th generation ATGM missiles. The missile is offered under the Buy (Indian – IDDM) procurement category for the Indian Armed Force. The ATGM 5 has made its first public appearance during Defexpo 2018.

Mr. J. D. Patil, Senior Executive Vice President and Whole-time Director, L&T commented: “Our long-standing commitment to India’s defence program is evident in our approach to offer best in class technology solutions. The L&T-MBDA joint venture has been working proactively to make available advanced missiles and missile systems catering to the needs of the Indian defence forces. We look forward to showcasing some of these offerings at the global defence industry exhibition Defexpo 2018.”

The new missile is based on the latest generation technologies used in MBDA’s MMP (Missile Moyenne Portée - Medium Range Missile) anti-tank weapon that recently entered service with the French army.

The French-based Company MBDA proposes to produce the 5th generation of antitank guided missile ATGM 5 in India with Transfer of Technology. The French Company is ready to support an Indian development of an upgraded ATGM 5 with longer range of up to 10 km. The new ATGM 5 missile will be configured to be used for land and air operations.

Loïc Piedevache, India Country Head, MBDA, said: “For over 50 successful years our strategy has been one of true partnership with the Indian Armed Forces and Indian industry. The JV offers the Indian Armed Forces the flexibility of choice regarding the timely acquisition of key operational capabilities, coupled with the optimized means of acquiring and mastering the very latest and most advanced guided weapon systems technology currently available anywhere in the world.”