The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded a major contract to Mahindra Defence Systems Limited (MDS) for the manufacturing of Armoured Tactical Vehicles (LSV) for the Indian Army for their recce and weapon carrier requirements. The contract worth INR 1,056 crore was awarded after competitive bids by Indian companies were invited by the MoD through an open tender. Mahindra’s Light Specialist Vehicles (LSV) will be completed in four years, commencing in 2021.

Mahindra Defence Systems is a leading provider of innovative, armoured solutions for the military and paramilitary forces. It has indigenously designed and developed the LSV to the exacting standards of the Indian Army. These combat vehicles are agile with a future proof modular design. Also, MDS has the necessary IP and capabilities in all aspects from the development of the LSV variants to complete life cycle support.

The MDS LSV has undergone rigorous and elaborate trial procedures, which have been carried out by the Indian Army in different terrains, including high altitude, deserts and plains. MDS LSV is the only vehicle which passed all the field, ballistics and technical trials.

Mahindra Defence Chairman SP Shukla said, “This contract truly signifies the success of Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It is the first major contract for the advanced armoured tactical vehicles, designed and developed by the private sector in India, with intellectual property rights within the country. This contract paves the way for large scale adoption of Indian platforms with indigenous capabilities.”

One version of the MDS LSV is already in service with Indian battalion deployed in the UN Peacekeeping mission in Africa. According to Mahindra Defence, other friendly foreign countries have also sought details of this vehicle for their operations, indicating the export potential of this armoured vehicle developed and made in India.