09-03-2021 | 12:32 PM
ARHMD System for Indian Army
Context
Indian Army is in the process of acquiring niche technology by procuring quantity 556 Augmented Reality Head Mounted Display (ARHMD) Systems under Make-II Category.
Key Highlights
Augmented Reality Head Mounted Display (ARHMD) System is conceived as a capability enhancement to Land Based Air Defence Weapon Systems such as IGLA shoulder fired Infra-Red Homing Air Defence Missile System and ZU 23mm 2B AD Gun System which will provide the operator with radar and Thermal Imaging (TI) sight outputs as overlays.
The proposed system intends to enhance the engagement capability during night and conditions of inclement weather.
The day-time engagements are also intended to be enhanced through increased reaction times, data computation for decision support and integration of output of TI sight.
The vendor responses were evaluated after which Project Sanction Order (PSO) was issued on February 22, 2021 to six vendors to develop the prototype.
The contract will finally be placed with one of the firms after they successfully develop the prototype in accordance with the provisions of Buy (Indian-IDDM) category of DAP 2020.
Development of Augmented Reality Head Mounted Display System under Make-II will be a game changer for Indian Army. It will be in sync with “Atmanirbhar Bharat” policy of the Government and will lead to “Self-Reliance” by giving boost to the Indian Defence Industry.
Make-II Projects
In the Defence procurement procedure, the provision of ‘Make’ category of capital acquisition is the key pillar of realising the visions of ‘Make in India’ initiative. This category fosters the indigenous capabilities by design & development of required defence equipment, product or systems by public as well as the private sector industry.
‘Make’ Procedure is divided into two sub-categories:
Make I Projects: Under this sub-category involves the Government funding of 90%. The funding from the government is released in a phased manner. It is released as per the terms agreed between MoD and the vendor.
Make II Projects: Under this sub-category involves the prototype development of equipment, system or platform. Make II Projects also involves the upgradation of the equipment or system. For the development of the prototype, no Government funding is provided.
