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The high-altitude deserts of Ladakh have historically served as the ultimate testing ground for military equipment, where the combination of thin air and rugged landscapes quickly distinguishes effective machinery from the inadequate.
During September and October 2024, the Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicle, manufactured by the U.S. firm General Dynamics Land Systems, underwent critical trials in this challenging environment under the supervision of the Indian Army.
While the tests were intended to demonstrate the vehicle’s suitability for India’s mechanised infantry modernisation programme, they instead revealed significant performance issues.
The vehicle’s standard 300-horsepower Caterpillar C7 engine struggled considerably in the oxygen-depleted atmosphere at altitudes nearing 18,000 feet.
According to defence sources familiar with the evaluation, the Stryker faced repeated difficulties when navigating steep gradients and rocky terrain, failing to maintain the speed and agility required for operations near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The primary issue identified was the vehicle’s low power-to-weight ratio of approximately 17 horsepower per tonne. In the rarefied air of Ladakh, where internal combustion engines can lose up to 30% of their efficiency, this lack of power proved critical.
In one notable instance, the vehicle’s drivetrain overheated while attempting to climb a 40-degree slope—an obstacle that indigenous competitors, such as the Tata-DRDO WhAP (Wheeled Armoured Platform), reportedly managed with greater ease. Consequently, the Indian Army issued a report detailing these shortcomings, effectively pausing any immediate purchasing decisions.
In response to these findings, General Dynamics has initiated a rapid and comprehensive engineering overhaul at its headquarters in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the company is retrofitting a test vehicle with a significantly more powerful 600-horsepower engine. This modification aims to double the vehicle’s power output to ensure it can cope with the extreme conditions found in the Himalayas.
This upgrade represents a complete redesign of the vehicle’s mobility systems rather than a temporary fix, directly addressing the performance gaps identified by Indian evaluators.
Defence industry insiders indicate that the modifications extend beyond just the engine.
General Dynamics is reportedly reinforcing the suspension system to support the vehicle’s 20-tonne weight under higher stress and upgrading the driveline to manage the increased torque.
Additionally, the central tyre inflation system is being adjusted to provide better traction on loose mountain gravel.
The company plans to conduct rigorous internal testing, combining simulated high-altitude conditions with physical stress tests, concluding by early 2026.
Following this validation, the upgraded prototype is scheduled to return to India for a second round of trials in mid-2026.
This effort underscores a strong commitment to adapting the platform for the Indian subcontinent's harsh operational environments, where temperatures can drop to -40°C.
This development occurs within the wider context of the U.S.-India Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) and the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).
The proposed collaboration envisions the licensed production of approximately 530 Stryker units in India, potentially in partnership with the state-owned Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), to equip ten mechanised battalions.
However, the Indian Army has maintained a strict standard: procurement will only proceed if the vehicle proves its capability in the field.
As one senior official noted, the priority remains providing soldiers with reliable equipment that performs flawlessly in combat situations, regardless of diplomatic considerations.
