The Indian Army is looking for a Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) and four Indian companies are battling it out to meet the requirement of 2,600 such vehicles over 20 years. Tata Motors is one of the bidders and US company Raytheon which has a partnership with Tata Motors is hoping that it comes through. The reasons are clear: Tata Motors and Raytheon are building synergies that could give the FICV, something that is not only futuristic but also lethal. Brad Barnard, Senior Manager, International Business and Strategy, told SP’s M.A.I., gave an insight into the Javelin missile programme and how it was linked to the FICV. Excerpts of the interview:

SP’s M.A.I. (SP’s): Could you tell us about the Javelin programme and also on the progress made on the FICV?

Brad Barnard: We are very excited about the programmes in India. We are part of the Tata Motors team and part of their solution to meet the FICV requirement, working along with Rheinmetall on the turret solution. For us the FICV is coming along at the right time to show our capabilities. As for Javelin missiles, it is still at the government to government dialogue stage. Javelin has been demonstrated in India in 2009 and in Alaska in 2010, but trials are dependent on the progress made at the government to government level. As a joint venture (Raytheon and Lockheed Martin) we are standing by to take the programme forward depending on the way the governments define it.

SP’s: If it is going to be the foreign military sale (FMS) route, what are the chances of getting transfer of technology as sought by Indian Government for many of the programmes?

Barnard: It certainly will be an FMS programme and it will be defined by the two governments, particularly because of the advanced technology on the Javelin programme. There is recognition on both the sides that transfer of technology is critical and part of the requirement. However, we should wait for the outcome of the discussions between the governments. Nevertheless, we can support any programme India and the US want.

Barnard: The Javelin launch capability can be applied to just about any tactical (light or medium) vehicle or a combat vehicle. The major advantages of a Javelin launch vehicle are its ‘quickability’ and ‘flexibility’ across the spectrum. FICV is a near term real programme and we can start positioning to meet this requirement, working along with Tatas who have a broad portfolio of vehicles.

SP’s: Could you give us details of your other product offerings?

Barnard: Raytheon has many offerings — the RMS, Excalibur mm GPS guided munitions, Stinger missile which is part of the Apache helicopter package. We are looking at offering for the dismounted soldier too. Our product line covers the spectrum of close combat weapons to advanced munitions.

SP’s: What is the highpoint of Javelin?

Barnard: The compelling thing about Javelin is its high level of reliability. First gunner hit is good and has been pegged at 94 per cent strike rate. Importantly, it has been proven in theatre. We have over 2,000 combat firings and we are doing a study with soldiers on how it has been employed in theatre and what improvements can be made. I will be presenting this study at the Soldier Modernisation conference in Delhi in later part of the year.