With India trying to secure its border with Pakistan and exploring solutions for heightened coastal concerns, it is not surprising that the Border Security Force (BSF) had recently floated a QR (qualitative requirement) for unattended ground sensors (UGS) that can monitor and track enemy movement, sense vibrations and detect multiple intruders round the clock and is equipped with video surveillance cameras.
This was in wake of discovery of a series of tunnels across a section of the porous border that finally made them search sophisticated technological solutions to secure borders from deserts to freezing fronts.
Providing probable solutions is Textron Systems Corporation, which is one of the potential bidders for this system and is in town with a big contingent for Aero India 2013.
Speaking to Express, Stephen Greene, vice president said, “Our ground sensors has been tested in both US army and many European countries and with regard to India’s requirements, we are trying to understand their border security concerns.”
He added that talks have been going on regarding technology for homeland security, intelligence software and unmanned aircraft vehicles too.
Textron Systems Corporation based in Providence, US is known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armoured vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions and precision smart weapons among others. In fact, they have aready provided 512 sensor fused weapons (SFS) for the Indian Air Force (IAF)’s Jaguar aircraft at a cost of 257 million dollars through the US Air Force. A US-India government initiative which was implemented between 2010 and December 2012, the integration with the aircraft is yet to take place. The modern weaponry will provide the air force with an area strike capability which does not leave behind hazardous unexploded ordnance.
The Textron official said, “We are looking for opportunities to connect with the requirements of IAF regarding SFW and also other requirements. The Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS) is renowned, having amassed more than 800,000 flight hours supporting combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Greene added that the company has a steady partnership with Indian companies like HAL, Mahindra, Aiden and Quest and also looking for potential joint ventures. With Textron having a nominal presence in India and the Bangalore centre employing more than 500 engineers, it hopes for its continued growth.