MOSCOW. Feb 2 (Interfax-AVN) - Russia and India are discussing the terms of contract for the supply of Smerch multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) to New Delhi, the press service of the Rosoboronexport state-owned arms trading company reported on Monday.
"In 2002 the Smerch MLRS successfully passed trials in India, during which the system proved its unique fire power characteristics. At present, the sides are involved in discussing price parameters of a contract on supply some systems to the Indian Land Forces," reads Rosoboronexport's press-release devoted to Russian enterprises' participation in the DEFEXPO India 2004 international arms show due to take place in New Delhi from Wednesday to Saturday.
Smerch and Grad MLR systems will have a special place in the Russian section at the show, the press service says. Being the most powerful and highly efficient means for engaging enemy's forces at a distance of 40-90 km from fire line, these systems are in demand in many regions of the world.
The Smerch MLRS comprises a combat vehicle, based on the MAZ or Tatra truck chassis, equipped with 12 launch tubes, rocket- assisted projectiles, fitted with the active trajectory guidance system, a transport loader, and an automatic fire control system. It takes the Smerch MLRS 38 seconds to volley launch 12 rocket- assisted projectiles.
At the present time the Indian army is fielded with the Grad MRLS, delivered in the early 1970s.
According to the press release, experts attending DEFEXPO India will show keen interest in a wide range of highly efficient small arms and ammunition showcased at the Russian section: improved AK-101 and AK-102 5.56-mm Kalashnikov assault rifles, caliber, as well as AK-103 and AK-104 7.62-mm assault rifles, Bizon-2 9-mm submachine gun, SVD 7.62-mm Dragunov sniper rifle, night and day optical sights for small arms, hand and antitank grenade launchers including RPG-29N for fighting tanks of all types, and modernized RPG-7V1 with the new UP-7V sighting device for accomplishing a multipurpose set of combat missions, as well as rounds, grenades and cartridges of different purpose and type of damaging effect.