The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has accorded its Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicles (LAMV) for the Indian Army. The grant of AoN marks the start of the formal procurement process for the Ministry of Defence.
The DAC also approved the procurement of High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) Gun Towing Vehicles for swift mobilisation and deployment of artillery guns and radars.
These procurements will be made from Indian vendors under the Buy Indian - Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured category of India’s Defence Procurement Procedure to boost the Indian defence industry.
The Army released a Request for Information (RFI) soliciting inputs for the LAMV procurement from industry players in July 2022. It is eying the procurement of approximately 800 LAMVs for its Mechanised Infantry and Armoured Corps and is looking at delivery of 300 LAMVs per year, starting 36 months after the contract signature.
The LAMV’s will enhance the protection, survivability, mobility, and attack capability of the Mechanised Forces of the Indian Army. In addition to possessing adequate mobility, the LAMV must also protect troops on board and be able to carry weapons, ammunition, surveillance and communication equipment required to carry out operational tasks. It should be capable of accommodating surveillance equipment such as a Battle Field Surveillance Radar and Hand Held Thermal Imager mounted on a telescopic retractable mast and feature a hatch mounted Machine Gun (in service 7.62 mm MAG/ 12.7 mm MG).
The RFI calls for a 4X4 vehicle powered by a contemporary turbocharged diesel engine with an automatic transmission and four-wheel independent suspension. Engine life should not be less than ten years/ 100,000 km.
The LAMVs should be able to carry a payload of not less than 1.25 tonne and have a ground clearance of 400 mm (without payload). It should have a cruising range of a minimum of 400 Km (on-road) and 200 Km (off-road). It should accelerate from zero to 60 kmph in 12 seconds on-road with a full payload. It should also feature a Run Flat Tyre System and a Central Tyre Inflation System.
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