In a bid to reinforce India's defense capabilities along its border with China, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has unveiled a collaborative effort to develop advanced Stryker armored vehicles. The partnership will center around the Stryker M-SHORAD (Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense) system, built specifically to neutralize low-flying threats like drones, helicopters, and aircraft.
India's new Stryker M-SHORADs will be equipped with a state-of-the-art 50-kilowatt laser weapon, the Directed Energy M-SHORAD (DE M-SHORAD), alongside traditional missile-based defense systems. Central to this deal is the joint development of an upgraded Stryker A1 chassis, enhancing the vehicle's capabilities.
The Stryker M-SHORAD system offers India a mobile and highly effective air defense platform, built on the proven Stryker 8x8 vehicle base. Known for its versatility, the Stryker platform is used in multiple configurations by the US Army, making it readily adaptable for diverse combat environments.
Importantly, this deal will include a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement for India. This will encompass the Strykers themselves and their armaments, boosting domestic defense manufacturing capabilities. For the first phase, the Indian Army intends to acquire 300 Stryker M-SHORAD units, which may also be equipped with more powerful Cummins engines.
