Tata Motors to look into defence sector
Tata Motors has announced on Monday that it will bid for supplying light bullet-proof vehicles to the Indian Army marking the entry of the auto major into the combat vehicle segment. The contract could be worth as much as Rs 350 crore. The company also launched an anti-mine vehicle for Indian Army, paramilitary and police forces today.
Ravi Kant the Vice-Chairman of Tata Motors said, "Defence business is becoming a big business. We are the largest commercial vehicle maker, so we think we are poised to play an important role. From supplying only common vehicles, we have moved into various specialised vehicles."
The company is also aiming at upgrading transportation of the Indian Army at lower costs, he added. The new vehicle is to be manufactured on its multi-utility vehicle Sumo's platform.
Other companies bidding for the contract include Mahindra & Mahindra and Ashok Leyland.
The company will also produce futuristic infantry combat vehicles which would work as a system integrator. It plans to invest few hundred crores in the research and development in the defence sector.
It will also look for alliances and support from other Tata subsidiaries to harness their capabilities. It indicated that Land Rover could also be used as a defence vehicle in the country.
The company is also engaged in supplying vehicles to countries in Africa and Asia. It currently offers troop carriers, armoured buses, light specialist vehicles and aviation fuel dispensers.
The company has supplied about 1.2-lakh units to India's defence and paramilitary forces since 1958 and now it intends to widen its portfolio and participate in the entire defence value chain.
