DRDO transfers technology for Godrej Precision Engineering to produce Mechanical Mine Layer-Self Propelled vehicle.
The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has concluded a technology transfer licensing agreement with Godrej Precision Engineering for the Mechanical Mine Layer-Self Propelled (MML-SP) vehicle, the Mumbai-based company announced on 26 February.
The DRDO developed MML-SP (pictured), which is designed for laying antitank landmines in various soil conditions, camouflaging and recording their position accurately.
MML-SP procurement was approved in September 2019 by the Indian Defence Acquisition Council, in order to improve the automated mine-laying capability of the Indian Army.
In line with its Make in India defence equipment production policy, the DRDO transferred technology to Godrej in the belief that the company will accelerate rollout and fielding of the minelaying vehicle.
Fourteen US allies will be supported under the latest contract modification.
CAS Inc is to provide missile defence technical engineering services for 14 FMS customers, under a $24.14 million contract modification from the Lower Tier Project Office (LTPO) in the US Army Program Executive Office Missiles and Space.
Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama with an estimated completion date of 28 February 2022, the DoD announced on 25 February.
The FMS customers are: Bahrain, Germany, Greece, Israel, Kuwait, Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates.
LTPO is responsible for centralised management of the Patriot missile defence system, including Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) interceptors and related components, ground support equipment and the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor.
5.7x28mm is included in the latest standardisation agreement from NATO.
NATO has recognised the FN Herstal-designed 5.7x28mm calibre as a new standard after issuing STANAG 4509.
FN Herstal stated on 25 February that the Belgian Army is now supporting efforts for the P90 submachine gun (pictured) and the Five-seveN pistol to become the first NATO 5.7x28mm calibre weapons.
STANAG 4509 guarantees interchangeability between handgun and submachine gun ammunition from different manufacturers, in line with Land Combat Group Dismounted Soldier System requirements from NATO.
The 5.7x28mm calibre is integrated into the Multi-Caliber Manual Of Proof and Inspection (AEP-97) and joins the standardised NATO small-calibre ammunition portfolio, which includes the 9x19mm, 5.56x45mm, 7.62x51mm and the 12.7x99mm (.50) calibres.