Armoured Vehicles in Indian Army
India’s first anti-terror armoured vehicle unveiled IDRW.ORG
India’s first anti-terror armoured vehicle unveiled
With the Government of India increasing its focus on modernizing the defense forces with modern technology, an armoring division of Shri Lakshmi Cotsyn Ltd. (SLCL) is now making an entry into India’s growing defence market with the launch of complete 360 degree armored vehicles for Indian armed forces and police. The company has introducedan exclusive range of uniquely designed models of 360deg. protected Armored Vehicles which includes “DHRUV – ATC” (Armoured troop career), “DRONA – MPV” (Blast & Mine protection vehicle) and “VIPER” (Fast Moving Attacking vehicle). The company engaged in processing a very wide range of end-to -end textile products has diversified its portfolio by getting into specialised armoured vehicle segment.
The high-end 360 degree protected armored vehicle, which is a first- of its- kind in India with bullet, mine and blast proof capabilities will be showcased in New Delhi in October 2009.
The company has recently renamed Armet Armored Vehicles (India) Ltd. as Shri Lakshmi Defense Solution Limited, a 100% subsidiary of SLCL. It’s new unit at Rahsupur, near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh has commenced commercial production and is in the process of delivering its first bullet proof vehicle “DHRUV” (Armor troop carrier) to Special Task Force.
The company imports chassis from reputed international firms like Ford Motor and General Motors and then fabricates indigenously at its plant. SLCL plans to make around 300-400 vehicles a year and expects a turnover of Rs 150 cr in the first year of its operation.
The company currently is in talks with Indian paramilitary forces and also some high-value customers in India, Europe and the Middle- East who want their vehicles to be armored with Level-B7 protection with bullet, mine and bomb-proof accessories. The armoring could cost anywhere between Rs 50 lakh to over Rs 1 crore, depending upon the accessories embedded in the vehicle.
Dr. M. P Agarwal, CMD, Shri Lakshmi Cotsyn Limited said: “While presenting the Union Budget Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee allocated $28 billion for defense which is the highest ever allocation for the defense sector. For SLCL it is a logical move to be part of the Indian government’s efforts to broad base defense procurement from the private sector. We see significant growth opportunities in the domestic as well as global defence market. Our high-end 360 degree armoured vehicle will aid security forces counter threat and enhance combat efficiency.”
“SLCL is an approved vendor with host of Indian defense establishments. The company has been already supplying safety textiles such as bio- chemical, high altitude fabric, bullet-proof jackets and bullet-proof helmets, camouflage fabrics, uniform fabric, IR fabric and carbon fabric to Indian defense establishments. The company post its exhibition in Delhi expects to fetch large orders for its 360 degree protection armored vehicle from Indian defense forces and state police forces. The order flow is expected to give significant boost to our commercial sales.” Dr Agarwal added.
Exclusive range of armored vehicles to tackle terror attacks will be showcased in New Delhi in October 2009.
DRONA (MPV),a perfect for mine protection vehicle, is based on creating the maximum distance and protection between the seat of a cabin and mine explosion. The front fenders and the hood are attached to the chassis to reduce the shock againstblast, transmitted to the cabin. The front wheel base, are located forward of the crew cabin and when selected, a ‘V’ shape-armoring cell protects the rear wheels, so that if a mine detonates under the wheel, the burst of explosion is diverted outwards, thus minimizing the damage to the crew cabin..
Another vehicle DHRUV,a perfect patrol vehicle for police forces to tackle in urban areas, has comfortable seating for a fully equipped response team of ten to twelve men and is based on the Ford F550 American chassis. The special air-conditioning vehicle with working space, rotating turrets and exceptionally viewing large armored glass has been developed on Indian right hand drive chassis with a protection level of B4 can be also uparmored to B7, with run flat tyres and after armoring having an excess payload of four tons with a top speed of 95 kmph.
“VIPER”, the fast moving attacking armored vehicle, has four side doors, a single rear luggage door, rotating turret & cross-country run flat tyre, a pick up van style for additional and heavy artillery payload. This vehicle carries a total crew complement of six and is armored to exceed the European B7+ armor.
The high-end armored vehicles will be supplied to Government Officials, Head of States, Army, and Prominent VIPs. The company is currently focusing on India’s growing defense market and in future plans to cater to international markets such as South East Asia, North Africa and Middle East countries, as these countries face high security related challenges.
