BAE brings out the big guns at DefExpo

BAE Systems is putting on display its 155mm 39 caliber towed howitzer and fully automated 127-mm 54-caliber naval gun system display at the latest edition of DefExpo.

In addition to these, it is also showcasing Military Communications Systems, Geospatial Exploitation Products, Wheeled and Light Armored Vehicles, and Helmet Mounted Displays.

The company said in a statement that it has been ‘supporting discussions between the Governments of India and the United States for a potential Foreign Military Sale’ of the lightweight howitzer.

It also called the Mk45 ‘the most compact 5-inch (127-mm) fully automated naval gun in the world’.

BAE Systems could have an opportunity with this naval gun if the proposal for procurement of a rival product manufactured by Italian firm Oto Melara falls through because of the allegations that arose from the AgustaWestland corruption scandal.

The company will also display in Hall 9, the Archer 155 mm FH 77 BW L52 self-propelled field howitzer, LEMUR Remotely-Controlled Weapon Systems (RCWS) and electro-optical sight for land and sea application.

Also showcased is the Hawk 132 Advanced Jet Trainer, the Q-Warrior™ Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) for the dismounted soldier and Q-Sight™ HMD for the pilot, ‘both providing mission-critical situational awareness’, says the company, in addition to the Striker Helmet for both fixed- and rotary-wing platforms. “The display of the RG32 LTV and RG34 exhibits underlines BAE Systems’ flagship capabilities and technology in Light Armoured Vehicles for potential partnerships with the Indian industry,” said the company.

It had a joint venture with the Mahindra group, Defense Land Systems India (DLSI), which was focused on the Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) competition. BAE Systems dissociated itself from the venture last year.

In addition to products, the company will also have its new leadership at the show with John Brosnan, the new Managing Director, South East Asia & India and Mark Simpkins, Vice President and General Manager for India.

According to a company statement, Brosnan was previously Senior Vice President for Offset and Operations for BAE Systems, and managed the delivery of the ‘company’s multi-billion dollar industrial partnership programs in 20 countries’.

He earlier worked for the UK Government, which included over ten years in the UK Ministry of Defense on equipment acquisition, logistics and international security collaboration.

Brosnan is an MBA from the London Business School, a graduate of the Whitehall and Industry Group’s Senior Leaders’ Program and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management.