New Delhi (PTI): The Army has floated global tenders worth Rs 3,800 crore to acquire new range of quick reaction surface-to-air missiles to provide air cover to its rapid formations.

The missile will have a range of 8 to 9 kms to strike air tragets like low flying fighters, armed helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Combat Vehicles, army sources said here.

This is the third biggest army tender to be floated within a span of 60 days. Army had earlier invited Request For Proposals (RFP) for induction of heavy artillery towed, wheeled and tracked guns.

Under the acquisition programme, Army plans to buy 18 to 20 launchers of such missiles, with the Request For Proposals being sent to companies in Israel, French, European consotirum MBDA and French and Russian Companies.

The new Missiles seek to replace the army's ageing shoulder fired Sam-7 missiles, strela missiles as well as Russian acquired ZU-23 rapid firing guns.

"The Missiles are being sought to be bought on technology transfer, with initial few launchers being brought off the shelf and the remaining to be assembled in India", a top army officer said.