Indian Army High-Mobility Vehicles: The Indian Ministry of Defence has signed contracts with state-owned BEML Ltd. to supply the Indian Army with 8×8 high-mobility vehicles and heavy-duty trailers.
The agreement for the 8×8 vehicles is valued at ₹1.36 billion ($16 million), while the heavy-duty trailers will cost ₹835 million ($9.8 million). The exact number of vehicles and trailers has not been disclosed.
The 8×8 vehicles, equipped with a backbone tube chassis, independent suspension, a high-powered air-cooled engine, and anti-lock braking systems, ensure excellent mobility and safety in rugged terrains. The trailers, capable of carrying up to 50 tons, are designed to endure extreme conditions and offer logistical adaptability.
“The indigenously developed [vehicles] showcase our engineering excellence and dedication to equipping India’s armed forces with cutting-edge mobility solutions,” BEML Managing Director Shantanu Roy stated, according to Thedefensepost.
Part of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
The contracts with BEML Ltd. are part of India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, aimed at enhancing domestic defense manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports.
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In 2021, BEML was also awarded a contract for high-mobility vehicles to support logistics operations. Furthermore, the Indian Army plans to acquire 300 domestically-built rough terrain vehicles for use in high-altitude regions.
These procurement efforts reflect India’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces amidst persistent border tensions and evolving geopolitical challenges.
