Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?
Framework contracts and leasing options aim to shorten acquisition timelines, while manufacturing partnerships could help suppliers scale production to meet allied demand.
This is one of the helmets from MKU’s range. This particular Indian company is likely a frontrunner to fill a forthcoming tender. (Gordon Arthur)
The Indian Army has released an RfI for 80,000 ballistic helmets with 50% indigenous content.
It is a requirement that the helmet weighing less than 2kg should incorporate tactical rails and night vision mounts. An infantry official said this ‘is a step in the right direction’.
The requirement is for lightweight materials to stop high-speed blast fragments and armour-piercing 7.62 x 39mm bullets from a distance of 10m.
An expert said, ‘Weight-to-protection ratio is not the only factor in brain injuries. Blunt force trauma and pressure dispersion are enormous challenges while designing these helmets.’
Once the RfP is released, deliveries
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