India's ambitious plan to jointly produce Stryker armored vehicles under the 'Make in India' initiative is facing a significant hurdle due to the steep estimated cost. Sources suggest that the initial cost of the project could exceed $1.5 billion, with each unit carrying a substantial $5 million markup.
A key element of the deal involves a transfer of technology (ToT) from the United States, facilitating local production and assembly of the vehicles. This includes transferring technical documentation for medium-term production of spare parts and assembling vehicles from the hull stage.
The initial order is expected to encompass around 300 units, spanning different Stryker variants, reflecting the Indian Army's commitment to modernizing its fleet. The potential for future orders and variant expansions remains high, contingent on the success of the initial batch. However, concerns about the high cost of the project have raised questions about its feasibility.
Additional factors contributing to the cost include a request from the Indian Army for more powerful engines, a necessity for enhanced performance in diverse terrains.
The Army's procurement plan also includes various specialized variants like command vehicles, medical evacuation vehicles, NBC reconnaissance vehicles, and infantry carrier vehicles equipped with a 30mm cannon.
