Kalyani Group’s flagship company, Bharat Forge, and US-based AM General, have teamed up for India’s Light Specialist Vehicle (LSV) program using AM General’s battle-tested High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) as the LSV’s base platform – with final build and production to take place in India.

Announcing the at the Defexpo 2016 today, Baba N Kalyani, chairman & managing director of Bharat Forge said, “The teaming between light tactical vehicle provider AM General and Bharat Forge will lead to providing cost effective and best-in-class mobility solutions for Indian Armed Forces.”

Also commenting on the occasion, AM General’s president & CEO, Andy Hove said, "AM General is pleased to be teamed with the Kalyani Group's Bharat Forge to bring our proven light tactical vehicle solutions to India for military and paramilitary requirements. Bharat Forge has proven to be a world-class manufacturer, and we look forward to working together with them to deliver combat-proven mobility solutions to customers in India."

Meanwhile, the Indian Army has requested that the LSV needs to be capable of performing reconnaissance and patrol roles for all arms, provide space and cross mobility in all terrains (including high altitude and deserts) to small parties/teams (approximately six) and operate independently in the battle field.

With the Indian armed forces looking to rapidly modernize their protected wheeled vehicle fleet, both the companies expect numerous additional opportunities beyond the LSV program.