In a partnership set to redefine India’s military capabilities, BAE Systems and Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) have collaborated to usher the BvS10 all-terrain vehicle into India under the “Make in India” programme.
This agreement enhances India’s military readiness. The BvS10 adapted for the Indian Armed Forces and rebranded as the BvS10-Sindhu, is poised to demonstrate its versatility and resilience as it undergoes trials scheduled for later this month.
The heart of this collaboration lies in a licensing and manufacturing agreement, empowering L&T as the prime player in the Indian market. Backed by the expertise of BAE Systems Hägglunds, known for producing the BvS10 family of vehicles, L&T will bring this workhorse to the Indian Armed Forces.
Customised for Indian needs
Under the agreement, the BvS10 has undergone upgrades to align with the specific needs of the Indian Armed Forces. This newly refined version, aptly named the BvS10-Sindhu, will roll off the production line at L&T’s armoured systems complex, accompanied by integrated logistic support.
Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds, expressed his confidence in the BvS10’s performance, stating, “Our BvS10 all-terrain vehicle will demonstrate the critical capabilities the Indian Army needs when it participates in the trials later this month.
Unsurpassed mobility, flexibility, and the ability to work in extreme climatic conditions are at the core of the BvS10 design. Our teaming with Larsen & Toubro gives us the opportunity to expand into the Indo-Pacific market.”
L&T sees this partnership as a catalyst for their Armoured Systems business growth, leveraging their manufacturing and design capabilities in synergy with BAE Systems’ experience.
Mr Arun Ramchandani, executive vice president head of L&T Defence, emphasised the suitability of the BvS10-Sindhu for India’s challenging terrain and climatic conditions, stating, “The BvS10-Sindhu is the ideal vehicle for the extremely challenging terrain and climatic conditions in which it is proposed to be deployed.”
Navigating any terrain
This all-terrain vehicle, on display at DSEI in London this week, showcases its versatility with a mobile short-range air defence system (MSHORAD) configuration. This transformation into a modular fighting vehicle highlights its ability to carry diverse payloads, effectively countering modern threats without compromising armour protection.
The BvS10’s articulated mobility provides manoeuvrability across various terrains, including snow, ice, rock, sand, mud, swamps, and steep mountain environments. Its amphibious capabilities allow it to easily navigate flooded areas or coastal waters, ensuring swift deployment of personnel and supplies, coupled with mounted lethality to tackle contemporary threats.
The modular design of the BvS10 allows for reconfiguration to suit various missions. It boasts variants, such as personnel transport, command and control, ambulance service, vehicle repair and recovery, logistics support, situational awareness, and vehicle-mounted lethality, making it an asset for India’s defence arsenal.
India’s border disputes with China and Pakistan have increased investments in military land vehicles. India has been procuring advanced main battle tanks and armoured vehicles to modernise and strengthen its military capabilities, according to GlobalData’s “The Global Military Land Vehicles Market 2023-2033” report.
Notably, the BvS10 is already in service in several European nations. It is on order for the German Army. Additionally, BAE Systems’ Beowulf, the unarmored variant of the BvS10, emerged triumphant in the US Army’s competition for its cold weather all-terrain vehicle programme in August. The US Army is set to receive 110 of these vehicles over five years.
As the BvS10-Sindhu prepares to face Indian Army trials this September, this partnership between BAE Systems and L&T paves the way for India to embrace defence technology and strengthen its national security. With the BvS10-Sindhu at the forefront, India’s military capabilities are primed to reach new heights, ensuring readiness and resilience in the face of evolving threats.
