Tata Motors in combat mode at DEFEXPO 2014

Tata Motors has showcased two new combat vehicles at the DEFEXPO 2014, which is being held concurrently with the Auto Expo 2014 at Pragati Maidan.

The company has showcased the Kestrel, a wheeled armoured amphibious platform providing mobility to frontline soldiers, carrying them into the battle zone, with critical armour-protection, backed with adequate fire support.

Designed and developed indigenously with DRDO, the Kestrel has optimised survivability, all-terrain performance and increased lethality. The occupant capacity of the hull is 12 members. The driver in combat mode has visibility through 3 periscopes and a display catching vision through front and rearview cameras, with day and night vision. The back-to-back seating layout allows firing through the 3-gun ports on each side, with two big hatches for patrolling. The fuel tanks are placed outside the crew compartment for additional safety. The 8x8 independently suspended vehicle has high power-to-weight ratio for mountain terrains. The vehicle can accommodate different variety of weapon stations and turrets as the application demands.

The other vehicle is the LAMV (Light Armoured High Mobility Vehicle) recon vehicle moving ahead of the armored columns. Developed indigenously with technical inputs from Supacat of the UK, it offers vital reconnaissance mobility, protection and firepower. A mine-protected light patrol vehicle, the LAMV combines an integrated blast and ballistic protection system, including a protected all- composite detachable crew pod and V-shaped hull, providing an all-round protection.

Speaking at the products reveal, Ravi Pisharody, executive director, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said: “Tata Motors has been associated with the country's defence and security forces for over 60 years, supplying a range of world-class, high technology and reliable off-road mobility solutions. While focusing on the modernisation and system upgrades of the country’s mobility platforms, we have strategically moved from being a logistics support provider to a frontline combat vehicle player. The two vehicles showcased are state-of-the-art, targeted at giving our forces the much-needed capabilities of strategic mobility for rapid offensive thrusts into enemy territory.”