India has opted for BAE Systems Hägglunds’ BvS10 to serve as its next articulated all-terrain tracked vehicle (AATV), marking the platform’s first entry into the Asian defense market. The Indian Army will induct 18 BvS10 “Sindhu” vehicles, all designed for personnel transport, through a contract signed with Larsen & Toubro (L&T). L&T will manage complete domestic production at its Hazira-based Armoured Systems Complex, Breaking Defense reported. As part of the agreement, BAE Systems will provide design expertise, technical assistance, and a full integrated logistics support package to ensure smooth induction and reliable long-term sustainment. The initial batch of vehicles is expected to be delivered within two years. The selection process began in 2022 when India sought AATVs capable of operating across diverse and extreme landscapes, including high-altitude mountain regions, swampy zones, and salt flats. In September 2023, BAE and L&T put forward the BvS10 as their joint solution, competing with Prominent Comtech’s Talwar ATV. After rigorous evaluation, the BvS10 emerged as the preferred platform. The vehicles will be produced under the “Make in India” framework, incorporating more than 60 percent indigenous content to strengthen domestic industry participation and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. The BvS10 Sindhu has undergone modifications tailored for Indian operational needs. It features a 350-horsepower engine with an enhanced turbocharger, enabling it to perform effectively at elevations surpassing 18,000 feet (5,486 meters) during trials. Its articulated twin-cab layout provides exceptional mobility over snow-covered slopes, rocky ground, muddy pathways, and steep mountainous terrain. The platform supports multiple roles beyond conventional troop movement. It can transport equipment, weapons, and critical supplies, and its amphibious capability ensures mobility in flooded areas and coastal waters. Thanks to its modular design, the Sindhu can be adapted for missions such as command and control, medical evacuation, or battlefield situational awareness, offering the army significant flexibility across varied operational scenarios.
