The Indian Army has recently issued a tender to procure 1,054 light vehicles for general service roles. This move aims to enhance the Army’s capabilities in various operational scenarios. The tender specifies that at least 50% of the purchased vehicles must be indigenous, falling under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category.
Features of the Light Vehicles
The requested light vehicles must possess certain specifications to meet the Army’s requirements. The gross weight of these vehicles should exceed 2,500 kg, enabling mobility in hilly, high-altitude, cross-country, and desert terrains. They are primarily intended for rapidly deploying small teams engaged in conventional and counter-insurgency operations.
According to the request for proposal (RFP), the procured vehicle should have a length of 4,450 mm, width of 1,690 mm, height of 1,680 mm, and ground clearance of 180 mm. Additionally, the vehicle must operate in temperatures ranging from -15 °C to +45 °C. A manual transmission system with a minimum of five forward and one reverse gear and a selectable 4×4 or 4×2 transmission system are also required. The 4×4 option should include selectable high and low gear ratios and a differential lock facility should be provided on the rear axle.
Impact on Indian Defense Industry
The procurement of 1,054 light vehicles by the Indian Army will significantly impact the domestic defence industry. The emphasis on indigenous procurement under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category will boost the manufacturing capabilities of local companies. This move aligns with the government’s vision of promoting self-reliance in defence production.
The large-scale defence acquisition will also have economic implications. It is expected to generate substantial business opportunities for the public and private sectors, leading to job creation and economic growth. The procurement process is likely to involve collaborations with Indian companies, which will further contribute to technology transfer and the growth of the local industry.