Mahindra Defence System Unveils New 4×4 Bulletproof Vehicle Based On The Ford F-Series Heavy Duty Chassis
Mahindra Defence Systems has unveiled a new 4×4 bulletproof platform, designed
for military and paramilitary use. This vehicle is notable for being based on
the Ford F-series heavy-duty chassis, which is recognised for its robustness
and reliability in demanding environments.
Both companies have established notable presence in the armoured vehicle
sector, with Mahindra focusing on indigenous defence solutions and Ford
developing partnerships for armoured civilian and commercial applications.
Key Features
Chassis: Built on the Ford F-series heavy-duty platform, which is known for
its durability and performance in both civilian and military applications.
Bulletproof Protection: The vehicle is engineered to provide ballistic
protection, making it suitable for high-risk operations and patrol missions.
The exact level of ballistic protection is not specified in the available
sources, but Mahindra's previous bulletproof vehicles offer protection against
7.62 mm rounds and are designed to withstand threats such as IEDs and mines.
Crew And Capacity: Typically configured to accommodate a driver, commander,
and additional personnel, with modular interiors allowing for mission-specific
reconfiguration.
Mobility: The 4×4 drivetrain ensures off-road capability, crucial for military
operations in rugged terrain.
Modularity: The interior can be easily reconfigured for various roles, such as
troop transport, command and control, or ambulance duties, depending on
mission requirements.
Additional Equipment: The platform can be equipped with remote weapon
stations, automatic grenade launchers, and anti-tank guided missiles,
enhancing its combat versatility.
The new bulletproof platform is designed for the Indian Defence and Para
Military forces. Its modularity and protection make it well-suited for patrol,
quick reaction, and support missions in hostile environments.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Chassis | Ford F-series heavy-duty |
| Protection | Bulletproof (level unspecified, likely B6/B7) |
| Drivetrain | 4×4 |
| Crew | 2 (driver, commander) + 2-4 additional personnel |
| Modularity | Configurable for various mission profiles |
| Armament Options | Remote weapon station, grenade launchers, ATGMs |
| Intended Users | Indian Defence and Para Military forces |
Mahindra Defence Systems' new 4×4 bulletproof vehicle, leveraging the Ford
F-series chassis, represents a flexible and robust solution for modern
military requirements, combining proven automotive engineering with advanced
protection and mission adaptability.
Mahindra Defence Systems' Armoured Vehicle Portfolio
The Mahindra Marksman: India's Pioneer Armoured Platform
Mahindra Defence Systems has established itself as a significant player in
India's defence manufacturing sector through the development of specialised
armoured vehicles. The company's flagship product, the Mahindra Marksman,
represents India's first armoured capsule-based Infantry mobility vehicle,
designed specifically to provide comprehensive protection for defence,
paramilitary, and police personnel. First unveiled in 2009, this vehicle
marked a crucial milestone in India's indigenous defence manufacturing
capabilities, demonstrating the country's growing self-reliance in producing
sophisticated military equipment.
The Marksman's deployment history illustrates its practical effectiveness and
widespread adoption across India's security apparatus. Initially put into
service by Mumbai Police's elite Force One unit, the vehicle subsequently
received orders from numerous state and central police forces, as well as
paramilitary organisations including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF),
Border Security Force (BSF), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
This broad adoption pattern indicates the vehicle's proven reliability and
effectiveness in real-world operational conditions.
Light Bullet Proof Vehicle (LBPV)
Mahindra Defence Systems continued its innovation trajectory with the
unveiling of a new Light Bullet Proof Vehicle (LBPV) at DEFEXPO 2018 in
Chennai, demonstrating the company's commitment to expanding its armoured
vehicle portfolio. Designed by Mahindra Defence Systems Limited, the LBPV
features a crew configuration of two primary operators—a driver and
commander—with additional rear space accommodating two to four additional
personnel depending on mission requirements.
The LBPV's design philosophy emphasises modularity and adaptability, with the
company highlighting the vehicle's ability to be easily reconfigured for
different missions due to its modular interior layout. This flexibility
represents an important advancement in military vehicle design, allowing a
single platform to serve multiple roles and reducing the overall logistics
burden on military and paramilitary forces. The vehicle is specifically
designed for use by Indian Defence and Paramilitary forces, indicating
Mahindra's continued focus on serving domestic security requirements.
In conclusion, Mahindra Defence Systems has established itself as a leader in indigenous
Indian defence manufacturing through successful platforms like the Marksman
and LBPV, while Ford has shown innovation in providing armoured solutions for
civilian and commercial applications through strategic partnerships.
The existing strategic alliance between Mahindra and Ford for civilian vehicle
development demonstrates the potential for deeper technological cooperation
between the companies. Their combined expertise—Mahindra's defence
manufacturing experience and Ford's global automotive technology
leadership—could theoretically support development of advanced specialised
vehicles. The documented track record of both organisations suggests they
possess the technical capabilities and market understanding necessary to
develop sophisticated armoured vehicle solutions, whether independently or
through collaborative efforts.
IDN
