Oshkosh Defense is the pioneer in developing vehicles to support and protect the men and women who risk their lives for the nation. In an interview with SP’s Land Forces, at the Defence Security and Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London, Martin Brethouwer, Manager, Middle East Programmes, Oshkosh Defense laid out the company’s plans for Indian market.

SP’s Land Forces (SP’s): As wars are becoming increasingly asymmetric, how has Oshkosh Defense strategised its products to fight such threats and how adoptable are these military products for homeland security?

Martin: Till 2004, Oshkosh did not ever produce any armoured vehicles or vehicles capable of carrying armour. Since 2004, all of our vehicles are armoured. So every tactical vehicle that we built is either built with armour or has the capability to be easily armoured. As is the case of our tactical vehicles like FMTV and heavy expanded mobility tactical truck (HEMTT), the vehicle do not carry the actual weight of the armour. But there is provision for attachment of the armour later. The vehicles have greater protection level and the capability of being updated with new armoured technology. We also have the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV). We use both our armoured technology which is not the case with most of our competitors, and the armoured configuration in our vehicles can also be easily changed. So in a homeland security role, you can add the armour to a logistic vehicle and can change the protection level.

SP’s: Are they adaptable to homeland security requirements as well?

Martin: Absolutely, for example the M-ATV product line is designed for the homeland security role. It is based on a commercial chassis, is less expensive and the vehicles are designed primarily for the armed forces.

SP’s: There will be a lot of scope in India. Army has huge requirements in logistics, infantry and armoured requirements, in addition to that is the homeland security market.

Martin: We are actively investigating the opportunities in India. Oshkosh is definitely interested in the Indian market. We are looking for partners in India too.

SP’s: Any dialogue so far with potential partners or the end user?

Martin: We had preliminary meetings with the end user and had several contacts with the industry and the end user.

SP’s: There is also a growing need for not just all-terrain vehicles but also vehicles which are designed to give troops protection. Can you outline the features of your products in this context?

Martin: We have logistic vehicles, light armoured vehicles, tractors, recovery vehicles. Every tactical vehicle Oshkosh makes is designed with the capability for troop protection.

SP’s: What kind of successes you have had in markets outside the United States?

Martin: We have had lots of success. It is difficult to give the exact number. Our vehicles are used in Thailand, Taiwan, Middle East, South Korea, UK, etc. Our vehicles are recognised as high quality, high mobility vehicles built on true military specifications.

SP’s: How are your vehicles different and better compared to others?

Martin: There are many companies which built vehicles, but there are only a few who built vehicles specifically for the military. Oshkosh Defense has not built any commercial vehicle. All our vehicles are built for purely military applications. We promise the end user that it will have a usable life span of at least 20 years. Our vehicles are also built with a capability that 10-15 years down the line, it can be upgraded to the current configuration.

SP’s: You said you have already investigated the potentials in India, which vehicle is the most suitable solution for India?

Martin: India is a huge and growing market. There are very challenging environments, like coastal areas. Our vehicles are used all over the world and so we have the capability to survive and thrive in those environments. In India, there are requirements for light armoured vehicles. There is also a wide spectrum of requirements in logistics. The vehicles are designed for varied temperature and terrain.