India Stryker Armored Vehicles: In mid-November 2023, India and the United States reached an agreement to locally produce the 8×8 Stryker Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs). This deal marks an important step in the growing defense production partnership between the two nations. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan highlighted this new partnership during his visit to New Delhi, emphasizing that it would make India the world’s first global manufacturer of this wheeled combat vehicle.
According to Zona Militar, Sullivan praised the collaboration, mentioning, “The Biden administration has approved technological proposals that will enable India to become the first global producer of Stryker combat vehicles, a prominent manufacturer of advanced ammunition systems, and the first foreign producer of next-generation maritime systems.”
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The approval aims to help India produce up to 1,000 Stryker vehicles, which will be equipped with anti-tank weapons to strengthen India’s defense capabilities, particularly along its border with China. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken added, “The Stryker has great potential in the future to give India more capabilities in areas particularly relevant along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and some of the challenges it faces with the PRC.”
The Stryker is primarily an Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV), featuring a 350-horsepower engine and a top speed of 97 km/h. It is protected against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds, with optional enhancements for extra defense. However, it lacks amphibious capabilities, which are important for India’s operational needs. India’s Ministry of Defense has not yet released further details about the number of vehicles to be produced or which local company will be involved in manufacturing them.
This partnership could also bring India closer to its goal of self-reliance in defense production. Defense officials are focusing on technology transfer and cost-effective production as part of India’s broader push for “Make in India.”
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At the same time, India is considering alternatives like the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), developed by Tata Advanced Systems and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The WhAP has several advantages, including a more powerful 600-horsepower engine, a top speed of 100 km/h, and the ability to operate in water, unlike the Stryker.
The WhAP is designed for multiple roles, including being an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). It is amphibious, which means it can operate in water, a crucial capability for India’s defense needs. The Stryker, in contrast, does not have this amphibious feature, which has raised concerns among Indian defense officials. However, supporters of the Stryker argue that its successful operational record in countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine shows its effectiveness in asymmetric warfare, particularly in terms of speed and survivability.
Indian officials are also looking at the WhAP’s international appeal, which could present competition for the Stryker. Some fear that importing foreign vehicles could affect India’s domestic research and development, but proponents argue that the Stryker’s advanced features could be a valuable addition to India’s defense strategy, especially along the challenging high-altitude regions near the China border.
The Stryker’s lack of amphibious capability and its design differences compared to the WhAP have made the discussions more complex, as reported by Army recognintion group. Despite the diplomatic challenges, including tensions with Canada, which produces Strykers for General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, there is still potential for India to pursue co-production of the vehicle.
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According to U.S. officials, the defense-industrial roadmap between India and the U.S. offers significant opportunities for both countries to collaborate on advanced military technology, which could include adding features like short-range air defense systems and anti-tank guided missiles to the Stryker.
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While discussions on co-production are ongoing, India’s defense officials have emphasized the importance of thoroughly evaluating the Stryker’s performance in India’s terrain. Factors such as the platform’s compatibility with high-altitude operations, terrain, and strategic relevance will be carefully considered. The Indian government is also focusing on producing 105 wheeled armored personnel carriers for reconnaissance and support units as part of its broader defense modernization efforts.
The U.S.-India defense cooperation extends beyond the Stryker program. Other areas of collaboration include upgrading India’s M777 howitzers, manufacturing General Electric F414 engines in India, and exploring MQ-9 Reaper drone acquisitions. However, there is cautious optimism in India about whether these co-development projects will ensure the meaningful transfer of technology.
