Mahindra Armado Upgrade: Mahindra Armado has taken another step forward as an Indian defence vehicle after being integrated with an indigenous Remote Weapon Mount (RWM) developed by Bengaluru-based Vishwatonix. The new setup is important because it allows a soldier to handle a weapon from inside the protected vehicle instead of having to stand outside and expose himself to enemy fire.
The development also fits into India’s larger push to build more defence equipment at home. Mahindra has already developed the Armado as an Indian Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle, while the addition of a locally developed weapon mount adds another layer of protection and fighting ability to the platform.
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What the New Remote Weapon Mount Does?
A Remote Weapon Mount is basically a weapon system placed on top of a military vehicle that can be controlled by the crew from inside. The main idea is simple. The soldier does not need to open a hatch and physically operate the weapon while sitting in an exposed position.
With this type of system, the weapon can be aimed and controlled from the protected area of the vehicle. This can be very useful during patrols and combat situations where even a short exposure outside the vehicle can put the crew at risk.
The mount can work with sensors and sighting equipment to help the operator find and engage targets. Modern remote weapon systems are also designed to work in different light conditions. For Armado crews, the biggest benefit is better safety. A soldier can remain behind the vehicle’s armour while still using the weapon mounted on top. This can reduce exposure to hostile fire from rifles, machine guns and other threats.
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Why the Armado is Suited for this Upgrade
The Mahindra Armado is not a normal military transport vehicle. It was developed as an Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle and is built for missions where troops need mobility, protection and the ability to carry different weapons or equipment.
The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹1,056 crore contract with Mahindra Defence Systems in 2021 for 1,300 Light Specialist Vehicles for the Indian Army. The ministry said the vehicles were designed to carry systems such as Medium Machine Guns, Automatic Grenade Launchers and Anti-tank Guided Missiles. The programme was also described as an important part of the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat push.
The Armado later entered service with the armed forces. Mahindra’s vehicle offers ballistic protection up to B7 and STANAG Level II. It has also been designed as a modular platform, which means its configuration can be changed for different military jobs. These can include patrol duties, reconnaissance, border security, special forces missions and other operations in difficult areas.
Features
The vehicle is powered by a 3.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine that produces 215 hp and 500 Nm of torque. It uses a 4×4 system and an automatic gearbox. Its reported top speed is above 120 km/h. The vehicle can also carry a payload of up to 1,000 kg.
Another useful feature is its run-flat tyre system. The tyres can continue to work for a limited distance even after losing air. The Armado also has a central tyre inflation system, independent suspension and equipment designed to help it work in dusty and difficult environments.
Vishwatonix
Vishwatonix’s Remote Weapon Mount is an Indian-made system that has been added to the Mahindra Armado, which is already used by India’s armed forces.
The project is important because it brings different Indian-made technologies together. The vehicle, weapon mount, sensors and control systems can work as one system. This can reduce the need for foreign equipment.
Better Protection During High-Risk Missions
The biggest benefit of the Armado-RWM system is better safety for soldiers. Instead of standing outside the vehicle to use the gun, soldiers can control it from inside the protected cabin.
This can help during border patrols, convoy duties, counter-terror operations and other dangerous missions. The remote weapon system also lets the crew use the weapon while staying protected. Combined with the Armado’s armour and strong mobility, it makes the vehicle more useful in combat.
