Tata Motors partners with Bharat Forge, US firm for $11billion defence project bid.

Tata Motors, Bharat Forge and General Dynamics Land Systems of the US have joined hands to bid for the ministry of defence's $11 billion (Rs. 78,000 crore) infantry fighting vehicle project.

Besides the Tata Motors-Bharat Forge-General Dynamics consortium, several other parties including Rolta, Larsen & Toubro and Pipavav Defence have expressed their interests for the project.

Another Tata Group entity Tata Power (strategic engineering division) is a bidder for the manufacturing contract of 2,600 vehicles, which will replace the army's obsolete carriers. The two finalists and the state-owned Ordnance Factory Board will have to develop a prototype, which will be reviewed and on selection, the contract will be awarded.

The defence ministry will pay 80% of the prototype's cost.

TOI