20 Sep 14. Colombian National Armed Forces looking for transport equipment. The Colombian Armed Forces has a requirement for armoured vehicles including ambulances, large transport vehicles, and SUVs. The estimated cost of the procurement is USD2.8m.
Response deadline: 13/10/2014
Deadline: 20/10/2014
(Source: MPI – Hawk Information)
16 Sep 14. India announces plans to develop man-portable anti-tank missiles. The Times of India reported that India is working on developing a man-portable shoulder-fired anti-tank guided missile. The report quoted Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister Avinash Chander as saying, “We are going to have surface-to-air missile which will be on the move [with tracking capabilities]. We are also working [on) missiles…stop and launch within a few seconds. We are also working on man-portable anti-tank missile which can be fired from shoulders. We are planning to bring out these systems within the next four years.” The estimated timeframe for completion of the development is 2020-22 and India hopes to reduce its dependence on international suppliers for missiles. The source added that an infra-red (IR) seeker detector facility would also be set up in the country. India has developed the Nag man-portable anti-tank missiles that can be fired from a vehicle or an aircraft. It appears that development of the shoulder-fired version would be based on the Nag and will also have improved guidance and propulsion systems. Over the past years, Bharat Dynamics has made significant modifications and upgrades to its plant to ensure production of the missiles. The report did not reveal the proposed funding to support the plan but based on past proposals, the plan will get financial allocation. India remains one of the few countries in the world that manages to sustain funding for military modernisation and research. The Nag programme and other missile development programmes have received financial allocations from the MoD.
29 Sep 14. Indian Army issues RFI for reconnaissance and surveillance helos. The Indian Army has issued a request for information (RFI) notice for the much awaited reconnaissance and surveillance helicopter (RSH) procurement which would replace existing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. The helicopters are being procured as an urgent requirement and would be operational with the Indian Army Aviation.
According to the RFI, the helicopters should be able to perform the following roles by day and night:
• Reconnaissance and Surveillance, including armed reconnaissance.
• Provide direction for Artillery Fire.
• Carry small body of troops/Quick Reaction Teams for special missions.
• Aerial Imagery.
• Scout role in conjunction with Attack Helicopter.
• Airborne Forward Air Controller (FAC), if required.
• Casualty Evacuation.
• NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) monitoring.
• Platform for ESM, ECM and ECCM etc.
• Provide dynamic response during aid to civil authorities.
The procurement is being carried out in a ‘Single Stage – Two Bid System” which means that the “Request for Proposal’ would be issued soliciting both technical and commercial offers together, but in two separate envelopes. The RFI notice can be made available from MPI on request.
Response Date: 11 November 2014
Issuing Authority: Directorate General of Weapons and Equipment
(Source: MPI – Hawk Information)
28 Sep 14. Mali – Change of course in soldier uniform procurement. The government of Mali faces lawsuits from army equipment suppliers whose contracts were cancelled by the MoD. The contracts, mostly for the procurement of army uniform and apparel, were signed months ago after the supplier has met all the requirements and deadlines. The MoD decided to suddenly cancel 11 of these contracts in September. The MoD’s rationale behind the cancellation is that it wishes to change the pattern of soldier uniforms over fears that some militants may be misusing the army clothing. After losing northern Mal