The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has initiated a process to acquire a substantial quantity of Light Specialist Vehicles (LSVs) for the Indian Armed Forces, with a particular focus on bolstering the operational capabilities of the Indian Army.
This move aims to enhance troop safety and mobility, especially along the nation's sensitive northern borders.
The MoD has issued a Request for Information (RFI), a preliminary step in the procurement process, inviting proposals from both Indian and international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and vendors.
The RFI details the Army's requirement for these specialized vehicles to support troop deployment in challenging high-altitude terrains, such as Ladakh, where India faces ongoing border tensions.
The procurement document clearly outlines the operational and technical needs, criteria for vendor selection, and the methodology for submitting responses.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the armed forces and ensure they are equipped for contemporary warfare scenarios.
The specifications laid out by the Army underscore the need for vehicles that are not only lightweight and agile but also capable of functioning effectively in hostile conditions.
A critical requirement is the provision of adequate protection against small arms fire, a prevalent threat encountered during border skirmishes and counter-insurgency operations.
These LSVs are intended to improve the Army's ability to move troops and equipment swiftly and securely in difficult environments.
The Indian Army's Northern Command, which is tasked with securing the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, will be a primary recipient of these LSVs. The vehicles are expected to significantly enhance mobility and firepower in the demanding terrains characteristic of these regions.
Designed for rapid deployment, reconnaissance missions, and quick-strike operations, these LSVs are considered ideal for countering small-scale incursions and militant infiltration.
Furthermore, their lightweight construction is a key feature, allowing them to be airlifted to high-altitude areas like Siachen and Eastern Ladakh, a crucial capability for operations in these remote and strategically important sectors.
Recent reports indicate that new consignments of similar indigenously manufactured LSVs, such as the Mahindra ALSV (Armado), have already begun reaching units in the Northern Command, reflecting the urgency of this capability enhancement.
To meet the Army's diverse operational needs, the proposed LSVs must adhere to specific physical and protective characteristics:
- Crew Capacity: Each vehicle must be able to carry a minimum of four soldiers, including the driver, equipped with their full combat gear.
- Dimensions: The vehicles are to be compact, with a maximum length of 5 meters, a maximum width of 2.25 meters, and a maximum height of 2.25 meters (with the gunner's hatch closed and excluding peripheral attachments like weapon mounts or spare wheels).
- Weight: The unladen weight of the vehicle must not exceed 3750 kg, ensuring maneuverability across rugged and challenging landscapes.
- Protection Standards: The cabin (on all sides except the front, top, and bottom) and the engine compartment are required to withstand 7.62mm Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) fire from a distance of 30 meters at a 90-degree impact angle (with a tolerance of ± 5 degrees). The windscreen and all other glass components must be capable of resisting at least two direct hits from a 7.62mm SLR.
