Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and BAE Systems today launched production of the BvS10 Sindhu articulated all-terrain vehicle at L&T’s Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira, Gujarat, marking a key milestone in India’s push for indigenous defence manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Keywords: BvS10 Sindhu, Indian Army, ATV, Larsen & Toubro, L&T, BAE Systems, Make in India, defence, high-altitude, mobility, vehicle, articulated, all-terrain vehicle.
The Indian Army has ordered an initial batch of 18 vehicles, which will be deployed along critical border sectors. In Ladakh, the platforms are earmarked for high-altitude operations at elevations reaching 18,000 feet, where temperatures can drop to minus 55 degrees Celsius amid extreme winter and snow conditions. On the western front, the vehicles will operate in the Kutch region, including marshy lands, desert stretches and the Great Rann of Kutch, withstanding temperatures of up to 55 degrees Celsius while supporting troop mobility and patrolling.
The BvS10 Sindhu is an upgraded variant of the globally proven BvS10 platform developed by BAE Systems Hägglunds of Sweden. Adapted specifically for Indian conditions, it features an articulated design that enables exceptional mobility across snow, ice, sand, mud, swamps and steep terrain, along with amphibious capability. The modular two-cabin configuration supports multiple roles, including personnel transport, command post, medical evacuation and logistics.
Arun Ramchandani, Senior Vice-President and Head of L&T Precision Engineering & Systems, described the production start as the beginning of a long-term partnership. “Since we signed this agreement in 2023, we’ve come a long way. We’ve won a program together, and it did take a lot of belief and trust in each other to reach this far. This is just the beginning of a great future together,” he said.
Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, President of BAE Systems Hägglunds, highlighted the vehicle’s combat-proven record, noting that the BvS10 family is in service with several nations and has demonstrated strong mobility and protection in operational environments. He praised L&T’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities for adapting the platform to Indian Army requirements.
The programme involves substantial technology transfer and local content, aligning with India’s defence modernisation goals. Production at the Hazira facility, already home to other major armoured programmes, strengthens domestic industrial capacity while enhancing the Army’s operational readiness in some of the world’s most demanding terrains.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
