MoD inks contract with Force Motors, M&M for 5,000 light vehicles

The Ministry of Defence on Thursday signed a deal with Force Motors Ltd & Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd for around 5,000 light vehicles for the armed forces at a total cost of around ₹700 crore.

The procurement marks a pivotal step towards modernising the country’s defence infrastructure and empowering indigenous industries, in line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

These contracts under Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.

These vehicles are designed as per contemporary vehicle technology with enhanced engine power to cater to a payload of 800 kilograms. It will provide mobility to the Armed Forces in all types of terrain and operational conditions, the ministry said.

Both procurements will enhance indigenisation and national defence equipment manufacturing capabilities, the defence ministry said. The projects have immense potential of direct and indirect employment generation by encouraging the MSME sector through components’ manufacturing, it added.

Force Motors, a leading manufacturer of rugged vehicles, announced a landmark order of 2,978 vehicles from the defence ministry. The Pune-based automaker said these vehicles are tailored to meet the diverse operational requirements of both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, showcasing Force Motors’ capability to deliver mission-ready vehicles designed to perform in demanding defence environments.

Force Motors has been catering to the defence sector for many years through its Gurkha LSV (Light Strike Vehicle).

“We are honored to continue our association with the Indian Defence Forces through this substantial order,” said Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors. “Our vehicles are designed with focus on quality, reliability, ruggedness, and performance, aligning perfectly with the operational needs of our defence personnel. This order is a testament to the trust and confidence Indian Defence Forces place in Force Motors.”

In a separate development, the ministry signed a contract with Armoured Vehicle Nigam Ltd for the procurement of Nag Missile System (NAMIS) Tracked version of anti-tank weapon platform. The total cost of contract for the procurement of NAMIS(Tr) weapon system, developed by Defence Research & Development Laboratory of DRDO, is ₹1,801.34 crore. It marks a significant milestone in the modernisation of the anti-tank capability of Mechanised Infantry, enhancing Indian Army’s operational readiness across a varied spectrum of operations.

NAMIS (Tr) is one of the most sophisticated anti-tank weapon system against enemy armour with fire-and-forget anti-tank missile and sighting system for enhanced firepower and lethality. The weapon system is set to transform the conduct of mechanised operation and offer operational advantage against the adversary.