In News:

Infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro (L&T), in partnership with BAE Systems, has secured a contract from the Indian Army to supply BvS10 Sindhu, a specialised all-terrain armoured vehicle. The platform will be manufactured in India, strengthening indigenous defence production.

About BvS10 Sindhu

• Base Platform: BvS10 (Bandvagn S10), a proven articulated all-terrain vehicle used by several European militaries.
• Sindhu Variant: An upgraded, India-specific version adapted for the country’s terrain and climatic extremes.
• Manufacturing: To be produced by L&T at its Armoured Systems Complex, Hazira (Gujarat), with design and technical support from BAE Systems Hägglunds (Sweden), the original BvS10 manufacturer.

Design & Capabilities

• Articulated Configuration: Two connected vehicle sections improve mobility over terrain where conventional wheeled or tracked vehicles struggle.
• All-Terrain Performance: Optimised for high-altitude areas, deserts, marshlands, snow, and flood-prone regions.
• Amphibious Capability: Can operate in waterlogged and flooded environments, enhancing operational reach.
• Protection & Mobility: Armoured design balances crew protection with high mobility in adverse conditions.

Operational Flexibility

The BvS10 Sindhu can be reconfigured for multiple roles, including:

• Troop transport
• Command post
• Ambulance/medical evacuation
• Recovery and logistics support
• Weapon-armed variants

This modularity suits the diverse mission profiles of the Indian Army across varied theatres.

Global Usage (Base BvS10)

• In Service: Austria, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom
• On Order / Selected: Germany; selected for the U.S. Army’s Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) programme

This underscores the platform’s global acceptance and proven performance.

Industrial & Strategic Significance

• Make in India / Atmanirbhar Bharat: Indigenous manufacturing with global OEM support enhances self-reliance.
• Lifecycle Support: The contract includes integrated logistics support for deployment, maintenance, and sustainment.
• Capability Boost: Addresses mobility gaps in extreme and amphibious terrains, critical for border and disaster-response operations.