“This state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in the private sector. Today, the defence space is growing at an exponential rate, creating opportunities for manufacture of world class products. With its technologically advanced manufacturing capability, MSMV will help Mahindra Defence Systems harness the potential in this space,” said Anand Mahindra, vice-chairman and managing director, Mahindra Group.

“The MSMV facility will manufacture specialised vehicles for the armed forces, paramilitary forces and police and is also designed to undertake vehicle development, armouring and conversions. Separate lines have been established for different products, ensuring the highest level of quality control and processes. It also has an advanced facility for R&D, product development, design and prototyping of special vehicles to meet specific customer requirements,” said Brigadier Khutub Hai, chief executive, MDS.

MSMV will consist of a prototype shop and a shopfloor spread over 40,000 square feet for the production of armoured vehicles and a fabrication area. The plant will have a capacity of 500 up-armoured vehicles per year and will roll out vehicles such as bullet- proof Scorpios, Boleros, Rakshak, Tourister bus, riot intervention vehicles and the Marksman light armoured vehicle.

The second phase of operations will see the AXE high mobility vehicle and the Mine Protected Vehicle, which is being jointly developed with BAE Systems, manufactured in the last quarter of fiscal 2010. In addition, a short test track will also be constructed. It will have a multiple angle gradient ramp, different profiles like potholes and pave, shower, turning radius and noise test facilities.