In recent news, the India Army has revealed its plan to procure more Spike-LR (Long Range) Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) from Israel. This move is part of an emergency procurement initiative driven by ongoing disagreements on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
Last year, 12 launchers and close to 250 missiles were procured by the Army under the newly authorised emergency financial powers by the Defence Ministry. This drastic measure was taken in the aftermath of the Balakot airstrike.
Elaborating on Emergency Financial Powers
Under these emergency financial powers, there is an allowance for the armed forces to autonomously acquire equipment worth up to Rs. 300 crore as a priority. It’s stipulated that deliveries should be fulfilled within three months but allowances are given for delivery periods to be extended up to six months. Additionally, the procurement of entirely new systems previously not in use is also permitted under these powers.
Features of Spike-LR Anti-Tank Missiles
The Spike-LR is a 4th generation Anti-Tank Missile developed and created by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, an Israeli company. It constitutes a portable anti-armour weapon system with an impressive range of up to 4 km. This versatile missile can be operated both in fire-and-forget mode and in fire, observe and update mode using fibre-optic data link technology. Infantry soldiers, special rapid reaction forces, ground forces, and helicopter aircrew all utilise these missiles.
Strategically, it has the capability to function in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) mode, this means the gunner can remain hidden while operating the system.
Repeat Order for Sig 716 Assault Rifles
In addition to the missile procurement, the army has also decided to place another order for 72,400 Sig 716 assault rifles from the USA. These rifles are meant to replace the existing Indian Small Arms System (Insas) rifles, which are produced locally by the Ordnance Factories Board. They will be wielded by troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations and frontline duties on the Line of Control (LoC). The fast-track procurement (FTP) programme was utilised to secure these rifles.
Furthermore, the remaining forces are set to be equipped with AK-203 rifles, jointly produced by India and Russia at the Amethi ordnance factory.
Future Plans for ATGMs
Despite current procurement measures, the Army has an even greater need for ATGMs to meet their requirements. This demand is slated to be fulfilled through the indigenous Man-Portable ATGM currently under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
