Mexico City, Mexico — The National Defense Secretariat (Sedena) has allocated more than 231 million pesos for the procurement of 5,000 rocket launchers designed for military combat. These weapons, given the current security threats in the country, are also intended for use against organized crime.
According to the ruling for tender LA-07-110-007000999-I-533-2024, Sedena’s Procurement Subdirectorate awarded the contract to Intman SA de CV for a total of 231,930,496 pesos. Each rocket launcher cost 46,386.10 pesos.
The tender decision highlighted that Intman SA de CV was awarded the contract due to its ability to “technically and economically comply” with Sedena’s requirements. The process saw two other competitors: Grupo Fravic, which proposed to supply the rocket launchers for 420 million pesos, and Distribuciones Orval, which offered 266 million pesos.
The specifications for the rocket launchers state that they must be individual, portable, equipped with integrated ammunition, disposable, and have a caliber of 70mm +-20 mm. Additionally, they must possess a minimum penetration power of 300 mm in hardened steel and a maximum range of 500 meters.
A military source informed El Gran Diario de México that these rocket launchers are essential in countering the heavily armored “monster” vehicles used by criminal groups such as the Sinaloa, Nueva Generación, Golfo, Noreste, Zetas, and Viagras cartels. The source emphasized that the weaponry could be crucial for Army operations in extreme situations or for establishing a robust defense system against these fortified vehicles.
The acquisition comes amid increasing violence and the growing capabilities of organized crime groups in Mexico. The use of advanced military equipment highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening its defense mechanisms and combating the rising power of criminal organizations.