The Hindu Business Line : Tata group, EADS to jointly bid for Army project

Defence lead
The proposed $1-billion communications system is intended to replace its current AREN system
The project is expected to be announced later this year.

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Mumbai, Feb. 16 The Tata group on Saturday announced two global partnerships in a bid to expand its presence in the defence industry.

Tata Advanced Systems, along with Tata Consultancy Services and Tata Power, is joining forces with the UK-based EADS Defence and Security to bid for the Indian Army’s $1-billion advanced tactical communications system project.

Tata Advanced Systems is also “jointly exploring opportunities” with Urban Aeronautics from Israel for marketing and manufacturing unmanned aerial vehicles for the Indian market, said a release from the company.

Tata Advanced Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Industries and is focused on providing integrated solutions for defence and aerospace.

In its bid for the advanced tactical communications system, Tata entities – Raython and Precision Electronics – are the other technology partners.

$1-b system

The proposed $1-billion Indian Army Tactical Communications System is intended to replace its current AREN system and will make use of latest technology. The new, fully mobile communications system will be contemporary when fielded and will be on par with the most sophisticated tactical mobile systems currently in development for deployment around the globe. The project is expected to be announced later this year.

“The Tatas recognise the significance of this project of national importance and therefore, with a view to leveraging the capabilities of several Tata companies, we propose to implement the project through a new umbrella company — Tata Advanced Systems Ltd,” said a release quoting Mr Ratan N. Tata, Chairman, Tata Group, in a statement here.

Mr Stefan Zoller, CEO of EADS Defence and Security, is quoted saying the Tatas can design and deliver one of the most sophisticated battlefield communications systems in the world, and at the same time, will make a significant contribution to India’s high-tech economy.

Responsibilities

Tata Advanced Systems, as the lead on the programme, along with other Tata partners, will be responsible for project management, security, software development, production, integration and delivery. EADS DS will act as system design authority and be responsible for the network architectural design and integration on the programme through its Chief Technical Officer from the Systems Design Centre.

Raytheon will be responsible for radio systems design and precision electronics for support in production, ruggedisation, security and integration.

This innovative approach means that Tata Advanced Systems and EADS DS, along with the other team partners, have the expertise to prepare a solution that meets the operational requirements of the Indian Army at the correct time, price and technology. It also ensures the project will be truly indigenous in procurement, integration and delivery. An Indian lead like Tata will ensure lifetime commitment through engineering support and obsolescence management, and also meet the requirements of national security.

The unmanned aerial vehicles going to be built in partnership with Israel-based Urban Aeronautics will be based on UrbanAero’s patented Fancraft technology. Tata Industries has also invested in Urban Aeronautics.

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Tata group, EADS to jointly bid for Army project