Firms Join Forces for Indian Army's Tactical Communications System

EADS, MUMBA: TATA and EADS Defence and Security today unveiled plans to form a high tech team partnership to bid for the Indian Army’s US $1 billion advanced tactical communications system project. The project is expected to be announced later this year. 
 
TATA Advanced Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Industries along with leading Tata technology companies (TATA Consultancy Services and TATA Power SED) is joining forces with EADS Defence & Security, (EADS DS) a global defence Lead Systems Integrator. Further technology partners complementing the team are other TATA entities, Raytheon and Precision Electronics Ltd. 
 
The proposed $1 billion Indian Army Tactical Communications System is intended to replace its current AREN system and will make use of state-of-the-art technology. The new fully mobile communications system will be contemporary when fielded and will put the Indian Army on par with the most sophisticated tactical mobile systems currently in development for deployment around the globe. 
 
Mr. Ratan N Tata, Chairman, Tata Group said, “The Tatas recognize the significance of this project of national importance and therefore with a view to leveraging the capabilities of several Tata companies, we propose to implement the project through a new umbrella company – Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). We believe that the above approach will synergize the Group's relevant capabilities for the project and provide a single interface for the Indian Army. The teaming arrangement with EADS DS would ensure that the solution proposed is cutting edge, best-in-class and meets all the requirements of the Indian Army.” 
 
Mr. Stefan Zoller, CEO of EADS Defence and Security said, “India holds an important place on the world stage and this programme recognises the need for India’s armed forces to have the latest available technology. EADS Defence & Security and TATA can design and deliver one of the most sophisticated battlefield communications systems in the world, and at the same time, will make a significant contribution to India’s high tech economy.” 
 
TATA Advanced Systems, as the lead on the program, along with other TATA partners will be responsible for project management, security, software development, production, integration and delivery. EADS DS will act as system design authority and be responsible for the network architectural design and integration on the programme through its Chief Technical Officer from their Systems Design Centre. Raytheon will be responsible for radio systems design and Precision Electronics for support in production, ruggedization, security and integration. 
 
This innovative approach means that TATA Advanced Systems and EADS DS, along with the other team partners have the expertise to prepare a solution that meets the operational requirements of the Indian Army at the correct time, price and technology. It also ensures the project will be truly indigenous in procurement, integration and delivery. 
 
An Indian lead like TATA will ensure life time commitment through engineering support and obsolescence management, and also meet the requirements of national security. The Indian Army issued a detailed Request for Information to over 40 defence industry companies in 2007. Using the Defence Procurement Policy 2006 guidelines, the Indian Ministry of Defence requested responses from global systems integrators experienced in delivering tactical systems, and local Indian systems integrators with the financial capability and necessary technical background.  
 
DS is a systems solutions provider combining military air systems, missile systems, communications and intelligence systems, global security solutions, sensor and avionics systems, as well as test and support solutions into a single effective network. In 2006, DS — with its around 23,000 employees — achieved revenues of EUR 5.9 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2006, EADS generated revenues of EUR 39.4 billion and employs a workforce of about 116,000. 
 
Tata Advanced Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Industries focused on providing integrated solutions for Defence and Aerospace. The Tata Group is one of India's largest and most respected business conglomerates, with revenues in 2006-07 of $28.8 billion (Rs129,994 crore), the equivalent of about 3.2 per cent of the country's GDP, and a market capitalization of $65 billion (as on Feb 8, 2008). Tata companies together employ over 300,000 people.