Mahindra Defence Systems Limited has announced that it has received an order for 1300 Armored Light Specialist Vehicles (ALSV) from the Ministry of Defence. It is designed to be a modular type vehicle allowing for efficient maintenance and it can be upgraded or configured in the field for a wide variety of operational roles. The ALSV offers ballistic protection upto B7, STANAG Level II.
These 1300 armoured vehicles are said to be inducted into the Indian Army fleet over the course of the next four years. These vehicles are built and developed in India, thus, the announcement is in line with the AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiative.
According to a statement from the ministry, “The LSV is a modern fighting vehicle and will be authorized to various fighting units for the carriage of medium machine guns, automatic grenade launchers as well as anti-tank guided missiles”. These combat vehicles are extremely agile with all-round protection against small arms fire and will assist small independent detachments which are required to operate this weapon platform in the operational area, the statement adds.
According to Mahindra Defence, the Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV) is a key product, designed and developed by the company within just 24 months.
“The vehicle has successfully passed rigorous trials conducted by the Indian Army in multiple terrains, operating successfully in temperatures ranging from a scorching 45°C in the Thar Desert to a freezing -15°C in the Himalayas. The vehicle provides a high degree of ballistics protection and excellent maneuverability over rugged terrain.”
What makes the armored vehicle stand out is its powerful 3.2 Lts, 215 HP multi-fuel diesel engine with 4/6 Speed Automatic Transmission, 4X4 with front and rear differential locks, 1,000 Kgs payload capacity, self-recovery winch, and high travel all-wheel independent suspension with central type inflation system. The LSV can also cruise at a maximum speed of 120 kmph, with an acceleration of 0 to 60 kmph in 12 seconds.
The LSVs are employed by the Indian Army, CRPF, NSG, Marcos, Border Security Forces, and various commando units. A version of this ASLV from Mahindra has already been deployed with the Indian Battalion at the UN Peacekeeping mission in Africa.
Just last month, the Army ordered an emergency procurement of Kalyani M4 armored vehicles, worth Rs 177.95, to bolster its inventory. The vehicle was tested in Ladakh during the standoff with China and is manufactured by the Pune-based defense company Bharat Forge of the Kalyani group. Although the procurement order is small, the army expects to increase the number of such armored vehicles in the near future.
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