New Delhi : In a significant boost to high-altitude mobility and operational readiness, the Indian Army has finalized the acquisition of 18 advanced articulated all-terrain vehicles (AATVs), designated BvS10 ‘Sindhu’. The platforms will be manufactured in India by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in partnership with Swedish defence major BAE Systems.
According to an official statement from L&T, the contract—valued at approximately ₹245 crore—falls under the “Buy (Indian)” category, mandating over 60% indigenous content. The AATVs will be produced at L&T’s Hazira Armoured Systems Complex in Gujarat.
As per defence sources, 12 vehicles will be deployed in Nimu, Ladakh, while six will be stationed in Bhuj. All 18 units are expected to be delivered by 2027. The Army sees these vehicles as crucial for last-mile supply, casualty evacuation, and rapid reinforcement in regions where traditional platforms like BMP-2s or light snow vehicles often fall short.
The BvS10 Sindhu is an upgraded variant of the globally proven BvS10 platform, modified specifically to meet Indian operational needs across northern and western frontiers. The two-part articulated vehicle can traverse snow, mud, marshland, rocky mountains, and deserts—areas where regular armoured vehicles struggle. The platform has successfully completed trials at sea level in Gujarat as well as in high-altitude zones.
Built with armoured protection, the vehicle provides safety against small-arms fire and blasts, and comes equipped with NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection. Its high-altitude diesel engine enables smooth mobility even at 18,000 feet (approx. 5,500 metres), making it ideal for low-oxygen environments.
A key feature of the BvS10 Sindhu is its amphibious capability. It can achieve speeds of 60–70 km/h on land and 5–10 km/h in water. The vehicle can accommodate 10–12 soldiers and can be configured as an ambulance, command post, or weapon carrier.
Originally developed for the Swedish Army, the BvS10 is already in service in Austria, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Ukraine, the UK, and Germany. Its induction marks another step forward in India’s ongoing modernisation drive and will significantly enhance mobility for troops operating in the most challenging terrain.
