Bharat Forge bags export orders for defence vehicles

Bharat Forge, the flagship company of the Kalyani Group, has announced that it has bagged two major export orders in the protected vehicle segment for its armoured personnel carrier (APC) and armour troop carrier (ATC).

The first order of 10 units for its 4x4 APC, a Class II (STANAG 4569) for the UN missions by the Indian Army, which the company claims is a first-of-its-kind in the country in its class and category. The APC is specially designed and built to meet specific requirements of forces operating in rough terrain and areas affected by mine blasts. It is powered by a 230 – 280HP diesel engine and is paired with a 4x2/4x4 manual and automatic transmissions, which provides blast protection against 14kgs TNT blast under hull, 21kgs TNT blast under any wheels. The kerb weight ranges from 10 - 11.5 tonnes and offers payload capacity of 2 to 1.5 tonnes.

The second order by an Asian country is for its ATC, which Bharat Forge states is uniquely designed and built to provide logistic movements of troops in peacekeeping missions and forward areas. The vehicle is powered by a 230 – 280HP diesel engine, which is paired with a 4x2/4x4 manual and automatic transmissions. The vehicle is capable to carry 12 to 14 crew members with large cargo, and provides protection against 6kgs TNT blast, along with being modular enough to be used as command control vehicle and also as ambulance in case of emergencies.

Both the APC and ATC are suitably fitted with a 360-degree rotating armoured turret with modular weapon mounts to meet lethality requirements. The vehicles have been successfully tested and evaluated by armies globally, including the Indian Army.

Rajinder Singh Bhatia, president and CEO (Defence and Aerospace), Bharat Forge said, “Kalyani Group has always been the pioneers of new technology and our philosophy is to always provide the best solution to the users. In this segment too, we want to make world class products with focus on three main requirements of any user – provide best lethality, with off road mobility and optimum protection”.