The Kalyani M4 is a mine-protected, high-mobility armored personnel carrier manufactured by Bharat Forge of the Kalyani Group. It is a licensed version of Mbombe 4, developed by the South African Paramount group. Following extensive trials in Ladakh, the Indian Army placed orders for these vehicles as part of an emergency procurement during the China-India border standoff in a contract worth 177.95 crores ($US23.6 million).
The Paramount Group is in talks to extend its business in India with the Kalyani group in India. The two organizations intend to build M4 armored trucks that have been specially customized for India.
About M4 Armoured Vehicle
The Kalyani M4 is a high-mobility, mine-protected armoured personnel carrier made by Bharat Forge, a subsidiary of the Kalyani Group. It is a licensed remake of the South African Paramount group’s Mbombe 4 video game. The primary purpose of the Kalyani M4’s design is as an extraction and occupant protection vehicle. High speed and rapid maneuverability are features of its design. It can transport up to 8 people and a weight of 2.3 tonnes. The M4 weighs roughly 16,000 kg when fully armored. To operate it in difficult terrain or when fording rivers, it has a 43-degree approach angle and a 44-degree departure angle with a water wading depth of 900 mm.
Also read: Top 5 Vehicles Used By The Indian Army
Following rigorous testing in Ladakh, the Indian Army placed orders for these vehicles as part of an emergency purchase during the Indo-China Border standoff.
Mission Capabilities
The Mbombe 4 APC is capable of being used in a variety of military operations, such as asymmetric and conventional combat, border patrol, people transport, search-and-rescue operations, counterterrorism operations, and peacekeeping missions.
Specifications
The M4 incorporates a 44-wheel drive layout built on a military wheel-drive chassis with proven combat experience. It has a traditional configuration with the engine in the front, followed by the crew cab and the soldier’s section, and all welded monocoque hull designs.
Also read: All About ATAGS – Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System
The APC’s modular architecture increases the vehicle’s strength and versatility so that it can take part in challenging operations. The big two-piece windshield in the forward crew cab gives the crew a clear view of their surroundings and improves situational awareness. A door and three windows on either side are installed in the monocoque hull. Dismounted soldiers can enter and exit the vehicle easily thanks to a ramp in the back. A navigation system, sophisticated security features, a driver-assist camera, a winterization kit, vehicle locating and tracking systems, radios, and communication systems are all included in the car’s equipment list.
Armament and safety features
The Mbombe 4 APC has a cutting-edge roof-mounted weapon station that can be armed with a heavy machine gun of either 12.7mm or 7.62mm caliber. It can be equipped with additional weaponry and various weapon mounts as an option. Both the troop area and the crew cab have seats that can withstand blasts and glass that are bulletproof. The vehicle delivers STANAG 4569 Level 3 ballistic protection against 7.62mm and 12.7mm rounds and offers superior defense compared to comparable vehicles in the Mbombe class.
Also read: Know The Difference Between Cavalry, Artillery, And Infantry
Numerous multinational firms are evaluating plans to produce their goods in India under the Make in India initiative. If the Indian Air Force (IAF) chooses the US-based Lockheed Martin F-21 fighter jet for the multi-role combat aircraft tender, the US Company would set up a production line for the aircraft in India. A few international defense companies have already agreed to start producing in India. For instance, Rosoboronexport of Russia recently agreed to produce the AK-203 assault rifle at DefExpo 2022.
To crack the SSB Interview, You can join our SSB interview live classes batch and we recommend you to Enroll SSB INTERVIEW ONLINE COURSE. Trusted by thousands of defence aspirants.
Also Read:
