Indian Army Deploys Armored Troop Carriers in Kashmir Following Terror Ambush
The Indian Army has deployed armored vehicles in the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region.
An unknown number of Armado Armored Light Specialist Vehicles (ALSV) have been deployed in the terror-stricken northern territory bordering Pakistan, Janes reported, citing an Indian Ministry of Defence spokesperson.
The deployment follows the death of three Indian Army soldiers in a terrorist ambush in the territory’s Poonch district on December 21.
The soldiers were conducting an anti-terror operation when their vehicles were fired upon, raising safety questions about the troop carriers.
A total of 41 soldiers have been killed in Poonch-Rajouri sector in terror-related incidents since 2021.
Armado ALSV
The Indian military began receiving the first batch of 40 Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS) vehicles in June under a 10.56 billion Indian rupee ($126.78 million) contract.
The service plans to induct the entire lot of 1,300 vehicles by 2025, according to Janes.
Features
The troop carrier comes with ballistic and blast protection up to B7, Stanag Level II, enough to withstand armor-piercing rounds.
It features a 3.2-liter, 215 HP multi-fuel diesel engine with 4/6 speed automatic transmission, enabling it to attain a speed of over 120 kilometers (74 miles) per hour.
It can run on flat tires and has a payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms (2,204 pounds), enough to transport ammunition and a crew of four, configurable for up to eight people, including the driver.
Its modular design allows it to be configured for a variety of roles, such as reconnaissance and troop transport through conflict zones in hills, deserts, and open fields.
