Looks like India is really pissed on China opposing India’s entry to NSG and not banning Masood Azhar.
Well, India has its own say. It is now planning to buy 155 mm M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzer artillery guns from the US for the Mountain Strike Corps.
The deal is worth an estimated $750 million for 145 guns. Altogether, the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, cleared 19 proposals worth Rs 28,000 crore.
The Mountain Strike Corps was raised in 2013 to defend India’s border in the northeast, which has a long international border with China. This is first major buy for the Mountain Strike Corps as the 17 Strike Corps is being raised with no new equipment, nor do they have a great stock.
Ultra-light howitzers can be slung on helicopters and transported, unlike traditional guns that need to be moved over land which is difficult in the mountains.
These M-777 guns are tried and tested by US forces in the rugged badlands of Afghanistan. They have a strike range of 27 km.
Under the deal, 120 of the 145 guns will be assembled in India. The first 25 guns will be supplied in ready to use condition.
The Indian Army desperately needs 2,800 to 3,000 155 mm howitzers to replace the ageing Bofors cannons that were procured in 1986.
Once the deal is sealed, it will be the first artillery gun India buys after Bofors, after almost 30 years!
