By Staff Correspondent
ExCel, London – In a strategic partnership echoing the broader shift towards regional cooperation, BAE Systems has teamed up with India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to introduce the BvS10 Articulated All-Terrain Vehicle (AATV) to the Indian defence market. As part of India’s “Make in India” initiative, this collaboration is set to redefine mobility for the Indian Armed Forces.
Under this agreement, L&T will lead the venture in the Indian sector, complemented by the expertise of BAE Systems Hägglunds, the Swedish arm renowned for its production of the BvS10 series. The resultant product, tailored to meet India’s defence specifications, will be christened “BvS10-Sindhu”. The production line will be stationed at L&T’s Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira, promising integrated logistic support.
Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, Managing Director of BAE Systems Hägglunds, emphasised the vehicle’s attributes: “The BvS10’s core design is centred around unmatched mobility, adaptability, and resilience under severe climatic conditions. Teaming up with L&T provides a strategic entry into the burgeoning Indo-Pacific defence market.”
For L&T, this venture holds promise in cementing its stature in the armoured systems space, leveraging its robust manufacturing and design prowess alongside BAE Systems’ global expertise. “Our collaboration seamlessly blends the strengths of both companies, offering a solution tailored for the Indian Army’s unique requirements,” remarked Arun Ramchandani, Executive Vice President & Head L&T Defence.
In a display of its adaptability, the BvS10, showcased at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) in London, featured a Mobile Short Range Air Defense system (MSHORAD), underlining its potential as a versatile combat platform. Its design enables seamless operation across a plethora of terrains – from icy landscapes and rocky terrains to muddy swamps and steep mountainous regions. Moreover, its amphibious capabilities ensure effective deployment in flood-prone or coastal zones.
The BvS10’s modular architecture lends itself to a myriad of configurations, catering to diverse roles including logistics, medical evacuation, combat control, and mounted weaponry. Presently, the vehicle is enlisted by armed forces in countries including Austria, France, Sweden, and the UK, with Germany being the latest addition. BAE Systems’ Beowulf, a cousin of the BvS10, recently clinched the U.S. Army’s Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) program deal, solidifying its reputation in the global defence landscape.