A common platform for a light armoured vehicle (wheeled) which could fulfill the role of all the functions required to be carried out in conventional and asymmetric conflicts would be desirable

One of the major weaknesses of the Indian Army is the lack of availability of a suitable light armoured vehicle (wheeled) in its equipment profile for a plethora of vital functions to be performed on the battlefield. At present, these functions are performed by unarmoured light vehicles which have an open configuration and a canvas covering. They offer no protection even against small firearms. The current vehicles do not have the requisite mobility, firepower or protection to survive on the battlefield in any type of terrain. Some anti-mine vehicles have been procured for formations and units including Rashtriya Rifles functioning in insurgency areas. however, these vehicles do not cover all types of tasks and missions that have to be performed in conventional conflicts or in low intensity conflicts like the counter-insurgency environment existing in Jammu and Kashmir and in the northeast. hence a common platform for a light armoured vehicle (wheeled) which could fulfill the role of all the functions required to be carried out in conventional and asymmetric conflicts would be desirable.

Expected Missions/Tasks

All formations and units would be interested in a common platform of light armoured vehicle (wheeled) which could fulfill most of their missions/tasks. Some of these tasks are:

• Command and control vehicles which would be fitted with radio sets and high power antennas and would be used by commanders and staff officers for radio communications and for liaison duties.
• Reconnaissance and surveillance vehicles which may be fitted with various types of sensors for route, terrain and enemy reconnaissance and surveillance.
• Weapon carriers fitted with light and medium machine guns, up to 30mm cannons and anti-tank missiles.
• Mortar carriers.
• Ambulance vehicles.
• Carriage of Special Forces/infantry/engineer reconnaissance teams
• Could be employed as an air defence vehicle by fitting a turret for firing air defence missiles or guns.
• Carrier of small arms ammunition.
• Could be modified as a light recovery vehicle.
• Carriage of forward observation officers and their communication equipment.
• Air portability for airborne and helicopter-borne operations.

Considering the above tasks, the major characteristics of such vehicles are safety, endurance, firepower, reliability, and adaptability to terrain and the role to be performed.