The Indian car market today is extremely diverse, we have hatchbacks, compact SUVs, electric vehicles and even luxury saloons being manufactured domestically. However, it’s not only civilian vehicles where Indian carmakers are acing the game.
Top 5 Made-in-India Defence Vehicles
Mahindra Armado
Mahindra Armado is an Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle and is a personnel carrier used by defence and military forces. The AMSV is specially designed for counter-terrorism operations, which include patrolling in high-tension areas, border security, and raids in open or deserted areas.
Armor: CEN B7 STANAG Level II
Engine: Steyr 3.2-litre 6 Cylinder Diesel Engine-
Turbocharged; 215 hp @ 3600 rpm
In service: October 2020
Maximum speed: 120 kph
Payload capacity: 1,000 Kgs
Mahindra Marksman
The Mahindra Marksman is India’s first armoured capsule-based light armoured personnel carrier to provide protection to the personnel of defence, paramilitary and police forces against small arms fire and grenade attacks. It has capability to be used in counter terrorist as well as conventional roles. Mahindra’s monocoque armoured carrier offers a B6 level ballistic protection, i.e., from rifle rounds. It comes with multi layered bullet proof glass, a roof hatch and protection for the engine, battery and fuel tank. Additionally, it also gets a satellite communication system, fire suppression system, remote controlled weapon system, and laser range finder.
Armor: Variable level armor kits
Designer: Mahindra Defence Systems (Defense Land Systems)
Engine: 2.49 L CRDE BS-3
Ground clearance: 240 mm
In service: 2009
Mahindra Meva Straton
The Mahindra Armored Straton is a light armoured personnel carrier build on a monocoque design. This light armoured personnel carrier offers ballistic protection up to B7 level protection for 8 (2+6) defence, paramilitary and police personnel. The Straton is designed to provide maximum protection to military forces, SWAT, law enforcement agencies, peacekeeping organisations and police units in urban and off-road environments while maintaining economical MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) options.
Counter-Terrorist Operations
Patrolling in High Intensity Areas
Special Forces Operations
Quick Reaction Teams
Conventional Operations
Armed
Raids in Open/ Desert Terrain
Convoy Protection
Riot Control
TATA Armoured Personnel Carrier (With Mine Protection) 4X4
Tata Advanced Systems’ Armoured Personnel Carrier 4×4 takes troop protection to the next level. The vehicle comes with best-in-class mine protection and enhanced cross country mobility for quick response during emergency situations Tata Advanced Systems has got the APC 4×4 duly tested by ARAI making it first and only APC in India certified for CMVR compliance to enable use by State Police and Paramilitary forces.
Ballistic Protection: As per mission requirement
Blast Protection: 14Kg / 21 Kg
Seating Layout: Driver + Commander + 12 Crew (Total 14)
Kalyani M4
The Kalyani M4 is a mine-protected, high-mobility infantry mobility vehicle produced by Kalyani Group’s Bharat Forge. It is a license made version of Mbombe 4 which is built by South Africa’s Paramount Group. It is reported to have a maximum payload of 2.3 tonnes and can carry up to 8 people. With all the armour, the M4 itself weighs 16 tonnes. Its 43-degree approach and 44-degrees departure angle with a water wading depth of 900 mm make it ideal for tough terrain or fording rivers.
The Kalyani M4 uses a turbocharged 6-pot diesel motor which is rated to deliver 465hp and a whopping 1627 Nm of torque. It uses a CVT automatic transmission. The M4 maxes out at 140 kph and its fuel tank is large enough to help it cover a range of 800 km.
