Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has unveiled a new Light Armored Multirole Vehicle (LAMV) designed to meet NATO specifications, catering to international military customers. This 4×4 vehicle was launched at a prominent defense industry convention in Abu Dhabi, marking a strategic move for TASL as it aims to increase its presence in the global armored vehicle market by 2035.
The new LAMV features substantial enhancements compared to its predecessor, which is based on the British military’s Supacat Protected Vehicle 400 lightweight patrol hull. This innovation showcases TASL’s commitment to modernizing battlefield mobility, providing adaptable solutions tailored to mission requirements, including reconnaissance and combat operations.
In a recent interview, TASL emphasized its local manufacturing capabilities and outlined that the LAMV will be offered in two different configurations. The first version is designed for reconnaissance missions and can accommodate a driver plus three crew members, while the second version boasts an expanded hull that allows for the transport of up to 11 passengers. Both configurations are equipped with NATO level 2 armor protection, effectively safeguarding against kinetic strikes, mine blasts, grenades, and shelling from 155-millimeter artillery within an 80-meter range.
Additionally, TASL has indicated options for modifications such as upgraded armor and the implementation of advanced health and usage monitoring technologies to enhance the vehicle’s sustainment and deployment readiness. The Managing Director and CEO of TASL, Sukaran Singh, noted that the firm is focusing its initial marketing efforts towards defense forces in regions including the UK, West Asia, North Africa, and Latin America. Singh remarked that the global launch of the LAMV represents a significant milestone, reflecting India’s burgeoning defense manufacturing capabilities on an international platform.
The specifications of the LAMV highlight its operational readiness; the base model measures 5.5 meters in length and weighs 8,000 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 1,500 kilograms. It includes a specialized navigation system for operating in GPS-denied environments, complemented by surveillance systems, laser range finders, thermal imaging, and optical cameras capable of target identification up to 3.5 kilometers, recognition up to 6 kilometers, and detection at 10 kilometers.
Furthermore, the vehicle is designed to be equipped with a turret that can mount either a 7.62-millimeter or 12.7-millimeter machine gun, along with grenade launchers and additional weapon stations to enhance its combat capabilities. The LAMV is powered by a robust 210-horsepower water-cooled turbocharged engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, enabling it to reach speeds surpassing 100 kilometers per hour.
As defense industries continue to evolve, TASL’s introduction of the LAMV marks a noteworthy advancement in meeting contemporary military needs while underscoring the importance of local manufacturing in India’s defense sector.
