Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and BAE Systems, on Wednesday, started the production of the BvS10 Sindhu articulated all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for the Indian Army.
The Indian Army had placed orders for 18 BvS10 Sindhu vehicles, which are expected to be deployed in Ladakh and the Kutch region, where troops operate in extreme climatic and geographical conditions.
In Ladakh, the vehicles will support high-altitude military operations at elevations reaching 18,000 feet, where temperatures can plunge to minus 55 degrees Celsius.
Along the Pakistan border, the ATVs will be deployed in the Kutch region, where temperatures can reach 55 degrees Celsius. Their ability to navigate marshy terrain, desert landscapes and the Great Rann of Kutch will help troops undertake patrols in areas where conventional vehicles face mobility challenges.
How BvS10 Sindhu will enhance Indian Army's operational capabilities
The BvS10 Sindhu is an upgraded version of the globally proven BvS10 articulated all-terrain vehicle. It is specifically adapted to meet the Indian Army's requirements across high-altitude, desert, marshland and amphibious environments.
Its articulated mobility system enables manoeuvrability across snow, ice, rocks, sand, mud, swamps and steep mountainous terrain, allowing troops to operate in difficult conditions. The vehicle also possesses amphibious capabilities, enabling it to move through flooded areas and coastal waters.
Besides transporting troops and supplies, the BvS10 Sindhu can support combat operations through vehicle-mounted weapons, enhancing the Army's tactical flexibility.
Its modular design allows the platform to be configured for multiple roles, including personnel transportation, command and control, medical evacuation, vehicle repair and recovery, logistics support and situational awareness. The vehicle has successfully completed trials in both sea-level and high-altitude environments, demonstrating its ability to operate across diverse terrain and climatic conditions.
“The BvS10’s unmatched mobility, flexibility and performance in extreme climatic conditions are critical attributes highlighted by the Indian Army,” Tommy Gustafsson Rask of BAE Systems Hägglunds had earlier said.
The programme also involves local manufacturing and technology transfer under the Make in India initiative, supporting the Army's modernisation requirements.
