Stryker's Double-V Hull Proves its Worth in Ladakh High-Altitude Trials, While Javelin Missile's Shortcomings Prompt Repeat Demonstration Request

The US-manufactured Stryker armored infantry combat vehicle, produced by General Dynamics, has successfully completed a series of rigorous high-altitude trials in Ladakh, India.

Conducted between September and October, the tests aimed to evaluate the Stryker's suitability for deployment in challenging terrains, particularly those found along the India-China border. Sources indicate that the results of these trials have been submitted to Indian Army Headquarters for review.

The Stryker, equipped with its distinctive double-V hull design, reportedly performed exceptionally well in the harsh conditions, which included altitudes ranging from 13,000 to 18,000 feet. This specialized hull design is crucial for enhancing protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a significant concern in the region.

However, the Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system, integrated with the Stryker for the trials, did not meet expectations. Sources suggest that the age of the Javelin system used in the trials may have contributed to its suboptimal performance.

As a result, India has formally requested a repeat demonstration of the Javelin ATGM from the United States. "The Stryker itself performed well, but we need to ensure that the Javelin ATGM can meet our operational requirements in such high-altitude conditions," a source explained. This request has initiated discussions to schedule new trials to thoroughly evaluate the missile's capabilities in high-altitude environments.

The Stryker's potential role in India's military modernization efforts is significant. The Indian Army is currently exploring options to replace its aging BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles, and the Stryker, with its proven versatility and mobility, has emerged as a strong contender. Its ability to navigate the challenging terrain of Ladakh is a critical factor, especially given the region's strategic importance and ongoing border tensions.

The integration of Javelin missiles with the Stryker platform would significantly enhance the Indian Army's firepower. The Javelin, a fire-and-forget missile with a range of up to 2.5 miles, is known for its ability to defeat modern armor, making the Stryker a formidable asset in both offensive and defensive operations. The successful integration of a reliable Javelin system would further solidify the Stryker's position as a potential replacement for the BMP-2.

 

[AJS]

Why would the Indian Army need the Javelin when it already has the indigenous Nag - is the latter deficient in any way? And is the Stryker better than the Indian built WhAPS?

 

[sanket]

After Israel spike, now Javelin too has short of performance, but in the past even then spike was ordered. So Stryker likely to be ordered in spite of Indigenous WhAP.

 

[kumar]

When platforms like Kestrel has been tested for years, IA is busy trialling Stryker so that private sector investment can go down the drain. What good can come out of this.

 

[Bhupesh Desai]

Why India wants to buy this inferior product look at Ukraine conflict for the products capability and issues.

 

[Enforcer]

Stryker is gonna be waste of money. Just buy from tata. Javelin on the other hand is worth buying but apparently they were old missiles and missed the target? The whole situation is weird.

 

[Dredd]

When platforms like Kestrel has been tested for years, IA is busy trialling Stryker so that private sector investment can go down the drain. What good can come out of this.

Kestrel was developed for armoured personal carrier, although it can be modified to IFV easily.

 

[Enforcer]

Kestrel was developed for armoured personal carrier, although it can be modified to IFV easily.

Kestrel's amour is definitely not advanced like Stryker but both of them would not survive a hit from modern anti tank weapons. I guess it comes down to modularity features, optical sights, troop comfort, ease of maintenance and driving.

 

[Avada kedavra]

Javelin under performed?
It is one of the main reasons along with drones why russia is getting embarrased in ukraine

 

[Chinese eater]

Stryker deal only to please USA. Appeasement never works. India must stand for Indian products.

 

[Sandeep]

So far India has made it clear that they are only testing the vehicle, performance and weapons. It’s like the USA want to cash in on a piece of junk that they are soon to retire in favour of their new alternative vehicle that’s under development.

The government will never buy it because we are indigenously developing and manufacturing our version with the WHAP/Kestrel vehicles and invested a lot of research and development costs. We will soon develop a new turret and add a 30mm canon gun, ATGM, automatic grenade launcher and in future a radar and short range missiles for its air defence system.