The forgotten LSV Replacement project for Indian Army

The forgotten LSV Replacement project for Indian Army 

Indian army plans to procure some unknown number of light specialist vehicles which can work along with older Mahindra 550. However with improved mobility and light assault support. Army initially floated the tender back in 2010, which is revived later in 2012, when Indian automobile companies like TATA and Mahindra shown interest. It's in 2016 the program yet to be completed.

Indian Army uses the Mahindra 550 for light utility purpose, the M 550 deployed in borders comes with a INSAS LMG for self protection and act as a bullet proof can sustain from small arms fire. some associated with the officers transportation.

As per army RFI the LSV has unladen weight of some 3.5 ton with loading capacity of 1.2 tons which include enough room for six fully armed army soldiers. LSV also capable to conduct reconnaissance and patrol in all rough conditions, provide space and cross mobility in all terrains which include high altitude area's like Kashmir and desert fields. 

In the first RFI, many foreign nations responded with numerous model of 4x4 light specialty vehicles, which include Kamaz from Russia, Land rover from UK, However Army cancelled the RFI after Indian private players like Mahindra and TATA shown interest in LSV program and offers their own model.

TATA offered a new model vehicle, which is looks similar like the American hummerhowever smaller in size, The LSV shown impressive results during the tests conducted by army evaluation team. TATA LSV has two hard points for fire support, one on the side door and another on top. the vehicles also customized as open back and encircled for protection.

Mahindra offered the Axe series, which is a slight improved version of the older 550 series in service with Army. Mahindra AXE also shares similar characteristics with the TATA LSV. however the engine in the axe is a derived version of 2.7L Mercedes Engine for better performance.

During the winter trails in early 2012 that Indian LSV's shown better performance along with foreign models, Army shortlisted four contenders for the trails, which include TATA LSV, Mahindra Axe, Deftech Flyer from Malaysia and Land rover defender, After the revised RFI all foreign vendors eliminated which makes Indian private players are the only runners.

Later years army evaluated the Mahindra and TATA very much, however Army didn't announced who selected to supply undisclosed number of LSV to Army.  Later Ashok leyland itself offered his new model for Army LSV program, However the details of the army evaluation and field trails are unknown.

In 2014, There is report cited that the LSV order numbers could be 3500 units and the estimated cost is nearly 4000 crores. the report also added Ashok leyland also running in the tender along with Mahindra and TATA.

It's once again reported in early February last year, that army refreshing the LSV tender and soon to announce the winner, before buying in large numbers. however even after six year the deal still on frozen condition. 

Ashok Leyland LSV

TATA LSV

IAF Garud commando's looks to buy new Armored Vehicles

IAF Garud commando's looks to buy new Armored Vehicles

BAE Systems JLTV

   Indian Air force issued a request for proposal to buy some fifty to sixty armored all terrain capable, Air transportable armored assault vehicles to the elite garud commando's. The RFI endorse to the global vendors, since Indian manufactures are failed to provide good vehicle which can be para dropped from any IAF air lifter. The Garud's currently using modified Maruti gypsy which is not a good platform to use in close combat situations. Since it's don't have armor and para drop capabilities.

    The Garud's wants a armored vehicle just like the NSG gets the Renault Sherpa for their assault needs. Such vehicles are comes with light armored protection. which provide cover from small arms fire and RPG rounds, also capable to withstand against small IED's and mines too. Air force asks the 4x4 wheel must carry minimum six fully armed infantry soldiers and his support systems.

    The Vehicles suites for tactical missions like scout, patrol, VIP Escort duties and command liaison duties. NSG also using the Renault Sherpa to perform all the above missionss. However Air forces also wants the Vehicles must be carried into IAF's Tactical and Strategic air lifters. Air force operates variety of air lifters ranging from small An 32 to larger C 17.

     However Sherpa is not a para drop capable platform, since IAF quest for such capabilities. However 4x4 wheels like Turkey's Otokar Cobra, French VBL, and Swiss Eagle's are good platform who meets the IAF's requirements. Those system also can be retrofitted with small arms and grenade launchers. and much needed Towing capabilities. 

     The Air force wants, the armored Vehicle can capable to carry small arms in all available sides, such as rear, front and top. Also able to carry more ammunition's or auxiliary fuel tanks inside the vehicle. Additional wheel for emergency replacement, more tool kits for repairing the vehicle in the field also requested. The actual power system and battery capacity for lighting systems if needed for rescue or search operations.

     The US recently announced the winner of their light combat all terrain vehicle, which is same what Garud's looking. The Vehcile can met all  parameters of what Garud's asking. The Oshkosh have top gun mount which can be modified into anti tank missile launchers or 40mm grenade launcher. The JLTV also have side mounted weapon stations.

The Renault Sherpa

           The Garud's wants those 4x4 wheels can also being carried under the Mi 17 and the upcoming 

CH 47 F. However armored Vehicles like VBL and Cobra don't have enough room to carry six infantry soldiers, However they can be para dropped and have amphibious capabilities and improved V shaped Hull desgin . Meanwhile Eagle and Sherpa can carry required number of soldiers and can't be air dropped. While the American JLTV is the only platform can meet both parameters.

     However there is no make in India or transfer of technology available due to low numbers of orders. The tender also quotes the availability of spare parts and mechanical repairs and engineering support. The vendors need to be responded within eighteen months and the procurement policy under the DPP 2013.