Indian Army To Buy New Grenade Launchers

(Avaitionweek) : As part of its $1 billion infantry modernization program, the Indian army is seeking to equip its infantry units with new, semi-automatic 40-mm magazine grenade launchers (MGLs).
“India’s Ministry of Defense have invited bids from global firms for the acquisition of these weapons. We are looking to purchase around 1,500 units to be supplied within 12-16 months of signing the contract,” an official of the Indian defense ministry says. The official declined to release financial details.
After original equipment manufacturers respond to the request for information (RFI), the ministry will issue a request for proposals. This will be followed by technical trials, the official says. Technology transfer will be a part of the contract. The deadline to respond to the RFI is April 24.
The Indian army is looking for a weapon with a loaded mass of 6.5 kg (14 lb.), with a folded length of 566 mm (22 in.).