SURAT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the country’s first Armoured Systems Complex (ASC) in the private sector, developed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at Hazira near here on Saturday.Soon after his arrival at Surat airport , Modi reached Hazira in a helicopter and visited the manufacturing facility for producing the advanced armoured platforms for the defence sector. Modi and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who was also present at the event, later witnessed a demonstration of K9 Vajra-T 155mm 52 calibre self-propelled tracked Howitzer. The Prime Minister even took a ride on the Howitzer. However, he disappointed the invited guests and media by not giving a speech at the event.“Had the privilege of inaugurating Larsen & Toubro’s ASC in Hazira. Boosting Make in India in the defence sector is our endeavour. I am glad that the private sector too is supporting this pursuit and making a valuable contribution,” Modi tweeted. “I congratulate the entire team of L&T for building the state of the art K-9 Vajra self-propelled Howitzer. This is a significant contribution towards India’s defence sector and protecting the country,” he tweeted.A M Naik, group chairman of L&T, said, “This is the 10th manufacturing unit of L&T Defence and 7th new manufacturing complex created over the past 10 years. The world class facility has been at the forefront of technology to meet various infrastructure, industrial and defence needs of the nation.”The ASC comprises state-of-the-art facility with high-end machinery and automation aids and is spread over 40 acres within L&T’s sprawling 755-acre Hazira Manufacturing Complex where 100 Howitzers for the Indian Army are being made. Future Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICV), Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV) and Future Main Battle Tanks will also be manufactured at the ASC, a company statement adds.

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