Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – In a significant move to bolster its combat capabilities against organized crime, the National Defense Secretariat (Sedena) has secured a contract worth over 231 million pesos for the acquisition of five thousand rocket launchers. These launchers, traditionally designed for military combat, are now seen as crucial in the fight against heavily armored criminal groups.
The ruling for tender LA-07-110-007000999-I-533-2024, detailed by Sedena’s Procurement Subdirectorate, awarded this substantial contract to the company Intman SA de CV for a total of 231,930,496 pesos. According to the tender decision, each rocket launcher was acquired at a cost of 46 thousand 386.10 pesos.
The decision to award the contract to Intman SA de CV was based on their compliance with both technical and economic requirements set forth by Sedena. The multimillion-dollar contract underscores the critical need for effective weaponry in countering the advanced threats posed by organized crime syndicates.
Two other companies had vied for the contract. Grupo Fravic proposed supplying the rocket launchers for 420 million pesos, while Distribuciones Orval’s offer stood at 266 million pesos. However, both were significantly higher than the successful bid by Intman SA de CV.
The specifications for the rocket launchers were stringent. The devices needed to be individual, portable, equipped with integrated ammunition, disposable, and of a caliber between 50mm and 90mm. Additionally, they required a minimum penetration power of 300mm in hardened steel and a maximum effective range of 500 meters.
A military source, speaking to El Gran Diario de México, emphasized the necessity of these weapons in the current landscape. Criminal organizations such as the Sinaloa, Nueva Generación, Golfo, Noreste, Zetas, and Viagras cartels have increasingly employed “monster” vehicles fortified with various types of armor. These rocket launchers, therefore, provide the Army with a means to counter such threats effectively during operations or in establishing a defense against these armored vehicles.
The acquisition of these rocket launchers represents a strategic enhancement of Sedena’s operational capabilities. In light of the growing sophistication of criminal groups, this investment is a clear indicator of the government’s commitment to maintaining security and countering organized crime with advanced military technology.
