The Ministry of Defence has signed a Rs 1,056 crore contract with Mahindra Defence System.
The Indian Army will receive 1,300 Armoured Light Specialist Vehicles as part of the contract.
Over the next four years, these 1300 armoured cars are expected to be inducted into the Indian Army fleet.
These engines are designed and manufactured in India.
As a result, the announcement is in line with the Make in India initiative, which promotes indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
The ministry placed an emergency order for Kalyani M4 armoured vehicles earlier this year after successful testing in Ladakh.
The M4 was developed in collaboration with a South African defence contractor.– Paramount Group. The order is worth Rs. 177.95 crore.
The Kalyani M4 is a multi-purpose armoured vehicle designed to transport troops in harsh climates at high altitudes. Medium Machine Guns, Automatic Grenade Launchers, and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles are said to be carried by the Mahindra ALSV.
The Mahindra ALSV Armoured Defence Vehicle’s Highlights
The Mahindra ALSV is an armoured car manufactured in-house that offers ballistic protection up to B7, STANAG Level II. It comes with a 3.2-litre multi-fuel diesel engine and a 4- or 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine is said to produce 215 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. It has a top speed of more than 120 kph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 kph in a matter of seconds.
The ALSV’s 4WD system includes front and rear diff locks. The Mahindra ALSV has a 30-degree gradability when working with the other tech and mechanicals. It can carry a payload of 1,000 pounds. The ALSV is equipped with a central type tyre inflation system and a high travel all-wheel independent suspension.
A self-recovery winch can be added to the car. The ALSV has a self-cleaning exhaust scavenging and air filtration system that allows it to navigate through harsh desert and dusty terrains. The 318/80 R17 section tyres are intended for a 50-kilometer run-flat distance.
The Mahindra ALSV’s modular design allows it to be fitted with a Surveillance Configuration In-Service GPS system, as well as an automatic grenade launcher or a Medium Machine Gun. Blast Mitigation Floor Mats are also included.
The Kalyani M4 Armoured Defence Vehicle’s Highlights
The Kalyani M4 is primarily intended as a vehicle for occupant extraction and protection. Its design allows for fast manoeuvrability and high speed. It has a maximum weight of 2.3 tonnes and can transport up to 8 people, according to reports. The M4 weighs 16 tonnes with all of its armour. Its 43-degree approach and 44-degree departure angles, as well as a 900-mm water wading depth, make it ideal for difficult terrain or fording.
The Kalyani M4 is powered by a turbocharged 6-pot diesel engine that produces 465 horsepower and 1627 Nm of torque. A CVT automatic transmission is used. It does, however, have a low-range gearbox that works with the 4×4 system to help scale steep inclines. The M4 has a top speed of 140 kph and a fuel tank big enough to help it cover 800 kilometres.
