ATMOS 2000

The newly cleared Bharat Forge and Elbit Systems joint venture—BF Elbit Advanced Systems Ltd-- will intially focus on the Army's artillery requirements before expanding into more advanced equipment for all three services. SP's can confirm that the new company has received RFIs and enquiries pertaining to several prospective acquisitions including surface to air missile systems and other advanced weapon platforms. However, the company has taken a decision to initially focus on the Army's 155mm artillery modernisation intiative. The JV will offer solutions in the artillery guns & mortars segment based on Elbit Systems' ATHOS 155/52 Towed Gun System, the ATMOS 155/52 Mounted Gun System and the upgraded 130 mm M46 Gun to a 155/45 Gun (KARAN). The JVC will also role out a range of products like the Advanced Indian Gun System. aba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge Limited has said while announcing the joint venture earlier this year, "The Strategic Cooperation between Elbit Systems and Bharat Forge and specifically the JVC will address Indian defence requirements with operationally proven systems from Elbit Systems that have been customized and adapted for Indian conditions and manufactured at the World class manufacturing facility for end-to —end solutions for artillery systems and armoured vehicles upgrades established by Bharat Forge recently in India."