Indian Army is set to get two new vehicles - Mahindra ALSV & Kalyani M4.
The Indian Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Mahindra Defence System
worth Rs 1,056 crore for Mahindra ALSV. The contract is for an order of 1,300
Armoured Light Specialist Vehicles to be used by the Indian Army. These 1300 armored 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 Make in India
initiative promoting indigenous manufacturing capabilities of the defense industry.
Reports indicate that the Indian Army had in February placed emergency orders for Kalyani
M4 armored vehicle. The Ministry of Defence has made an order worth Rs 177.95 crore
to Bharat Forge for the supply of the armored vehicle. The vehicle will be performing multiple
roles and is built for carrying troops in high altitude regions and terrains where there is a
risk of mines or improvised explosive devices. Bharat Forge will be making M4 in partnership
with Paramount Group, which is a South African defense equipment manufacturer.
The order is placed following successful tests in north India earlier.
In this video Defense Updates analyzes
how the Indian Army's road mobility is set to get a boost with Mahindra ALSV & Kalyani M4?
Let's get started.
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The Mahindra ALSV is an indigenously developed armored vehicle
that is available with ballistic protection up to B7, STANAG Level II.
It is powered by a 3.2-liter multi-fuel diesel engine, available with a 4 or
6-speed automatic transmission. The motor is claimed to develop 215hp and 500Nm of torque.
It has a top speed of greater than 120 kph or 75 mph and can do 0-60 kph or 0-37 mph in 12 seconds.
The 4×4 system on the ALSV features front and rear diff locks.
Working with all the other tech and mechanicals, the Mahindra ALSV has a 30-degree gradability. It
has a payload capacity of 1,000 kgs or 2204 lbs. The ALSV is sprung on a high-travel all-wheel
independent suspension with a central type tyre inflation system.
The vehicle can be equipped with a self-recovery winch.
To be able to navigate through the harsh desert and dusty terrains,
the ALSV features a self-cleaning-type exhaust scavenging and air filtration system. The 318/80
R17 section tyres are designed to have a run-flat distance of 50 km or 31 miles.
The modular design of the Mahindra ALSV allows for it to be equipped with Surveillance Configuration
In-Service GPS, or feature an automatic grenade launcher or Medium Machine Gun.
It also features Blast Mitigation Floor Mats.
Kalyani M4 is designed with a focus on people protection,
high speed and quick mobility as it will be carrying armed forces.
A maximum of 2.3 tonnes payload or a crew of 8 people can be carried by the vehicle.
M4 weighs 16 tons and has an approach angle of 43-degrees and a departure angle of 44-degrees.
The vehicle also has a water fording depth of 900 mm.
Powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine the vehicle produces 465 HP
of maximum power and 1627 Nm of peak torque. A CVT automatic gearbox is also mated to the vehicle
and is used on flat surfaces however as M4 is a four-wheel-drive vehicle, it requires a shifter
for the low-range gearbox. A top speed of 140 kmph or 87 mph can be achieved by M4
and also offers a fuel range of 800 km or about 500 miles on a single tank.
The features of M4 include an innovative flat floor monocoque hull enabling it to store more
and can also help the occupants to sit more comfortably. The vehicle provides
ballistic and blasts protection from up to 50kg TNT side blast or roadside bombs.
With a width of 2,600 mm and a height of 2,450 mm the vehicle can also operate in
extreme temperatures ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to 50-degree celsius.
The M4 also comes with independent suspension to deal with rough terrains.
There are two large windscreens present in the driver's cabin
offering a clear view of the surrounding and also offer protection. There is a ramp
at the rear which will help the occupants to exit and enter the vehicle very quickly.
The vehicle comes with three differential locks and an anti-lock braking system. It
will use run-flat inserts for the tyres that will enable them to function even if they are shot.
Indian Army has to deal with terrorist elements who are supported by Pakistan.
Over the years, the Indian Army has lost precious lives to ambushes by gunfire
and via IEDs or improvised explosive devices.
Also, the northern part of India is hard to navigate with general vehicles especially
in winter as they tend to be covered by snow. The recent standoff with China at the LAC or
Line of Actual reinforces the need for quick mobility in rough terrain.
The two vehicles will provide a degree of protection and also increase accessibility.
These will certainly be good assets for the Indian Army.
This will also give a boost to 'Make in India' which is an initiative by the Government of India
to encourage companies to manufacture in
India and incentivize dedicated investments into manufacturing.