Mahindra Defense and BAE to co-develop Indian mine protected vehicle

Vehicles for national security are an arena where cutting edge technology is combined with the harshness of survival. These machines not only have to perform in less than hospitable environs, but also have to prove their mettle in terms of quality and overall reliability.

Showing a lot of dedication in the development of Indian army machines is Mahindra Defense. They already supply the Army with the Rakshak and bullet proof Scorpios, and have recently even showcased their Rapid Action vehicle-the Axe at the 9th Auto Expo held in Delhi.

Taking this further, Mahindra Defense and BAE Systems, the premier global defense and aerospace company, are in discussion to jointly develop an Indian mine protected vehicle based on BAE Systems' highly successful RG-31 mine protected vehicle. BAE Systems has already supplied 165 mine protected vehicles known as Casspir to the Indian Army since 1999. The RG-31 has a global following as well.

Nearly 600 RG-31s are in service with the U.S., Canada, and other forces, including the United Nations. Under the U.S. Department of Defense's Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) programme, 624 RG-31s have been ordered.

The new vehicle being designed jointly with Mahindra Defense is set to be a world class product with strong Indian roots. Judging by Mahindra's capabilities as well as their knack for building vehicles within stringent budgets, the new mine protected vehicle should suit the Indian Army pockets just fine.

Speaking on the topic, Mike Mendoza, Managing Director, BAE Systems India stated, "Mahindra is an enormously capable world class company with the skills to become a strong partner for BAE Systems on the development of a mine protected vehicle for India."

Brigadier Khutub Hai, Chief Executive of Mahindra Defense Systems, adds, "Our cooperation with BAE Systems, who are leaders in this field, for joint production of mine protected vehicles is a strategic fit for our vehicle armouring business."

The all-steel, welded armor, monocoque hull of the RG-31 protects occupants from anti-tank mine detonations and is proven to have saved the lives of countless crews from mines and roadside bomb attacks. With a modular interior layout the vehicle can be configured as an APC, command vehicle, ambulance, surveillance vehicle and for many other uses. In standard APC configuration, this air-conditioned vehicle carries a crew of 8-10.