The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed plans to procure 127mm lightweight (LW) guns from Italian firm OTO Melara.
As part of the $243.5m deal, OTO Melara will deliver 13 127mm guns, which will be integrated on indigenously designed and built Shivalik-class frigates and Delhi-class destroyers, IHS Janes reported.
OTO Melara was the sole bidder after BAE Systems declined to participate with its 127mm / 62 calibre Mk45 naval gun system.
Designed to meet the requirements of naval fire support and long-range engagement of surface targets, the 127 / 64 LW naval gun, when integrated with Vulcano ammunition, reportedly provides high-level performance and target precision with limited reaction time.
The rapid-gun fire mount, which can be mounted on large and medium-sized vessels, can fire all standard 5in and Vulcano guided long-range ammunition and includes surface, naval gunfire and anti-aircraft firing capabilities.
However, the contract is yet to receive special clearance from the MoD’s defence acquisition council (DAC). OTO Melara will also require a special endorsement from the DAC for the 127 / 64 LW gun, as it is a subsidiary of Finmeccanica.
