Ajit John
Panjim: The Italian gun major Beretta is making a concerted move at increasing its share of the Indian defence spend. The company recently won a tender and supplied 40,000 MX4 Storm 9mm Carbine. This is the first time in several years that a gun was purchased after a tender was released.
Jarno Antonelli, Defence &Law Enforcement Communication Specialist said the company was keen on being part in the Made in India initiative of the government and were looking at trying up with a Indian partner. This, he said was almost complete and a decision would be made shortly. Sources in the industry revealed the company’s ARX-160 close quarter battle carbine was presently being evaluated by the armed forces and it was estimated that around 44,000 plus units could be purchased if cleared. The guns made of reinforced techno polymer is popular with armed forces around the world.
Sources within the industry revealed that attempts to manufacture carbines in India would not take off until and unless a gun policy was in place. At present only the ordinance factory is allowed to make guns. The gun policy has been delayed several times and the government has despite several assurances not unveiled one on the set date. It is expected this policy could be presented in a month or two at the latest. This government, the source revealed had displayed its intentions by its willingness to take tough decisions and procurements would not be delayed. However, the source also advised caution saying there had to be clarity.
