The Indian Army has issued requirements for a new dedicated mobility platform to tow field artillery guns, emphasising rapid deployment, firing, and immediate relocation to counter enemy threats.

The specifications demand a 4×4 cross‑country vehicle with a 4,000 kg towing capacity, remote operation capability, and performance benchmarks tailored for survivability in contested environments.

The Army is seeking vendors to design and develop this specialised platform to enhance artillery mobility. The system must be capable of towing heavy field guns while maintaining agility across diverse terrains.

A towing capacity of 4,000 kg ensures compatibility with standard artillery pieces, while the 4×4 configuration provides cross‑country mobility essential for deployment in mountains, deserts, and infrastructure‑constrained areas.

The platform must deliver a peak motor power of 10 kW, sufficient to handle heavy loads under operational conditions. A range of 20 km under full load is mandated, ensuring tactical repositioning without refuelling or recharging interruptions. The loaded speed requirement of 8–10 km/h reflects the balance between safe towing and rapid redeployment under fire.

Gradient‑climbing capability of 25% is specified, allowing the platform to negotiate slopes and rugged terrain. This is critical for artillery units operating in high‑altitude regions or uneven battlefields. Remote operation is a key feature, enabling crews to control the platform without direct exposure to enemy fire, thereby enhancing survivability.

The Army’s focus on rapid deployment and immediate relocation after firing reflects the increasing importance of “shoot‑and‑scoot” tactics. Modern artillery engagements demand mobility to avoid counter‑battery fire, and this platform is intended to provide that capability. Survivability against enemy threats is directly linked to the ability to reposition quickly after engagement.

This initiative aligns with India’s broader push for indigenous defence solutions. Similar efforts have been seen in platforms such as the Kalyani Strategic Systems’ MArG series, which mounted 155 mm artillery guns on 4×4 vehicles, breaking traditional limitations of towed systems.

The proposed mobility platform complements such innovations by providing dedicated towing and relocation capability for conventional field artillery.

The program is expected to attract participation from leading defence manufacturers, including Bharat Forge, Tata Advanced Systems, and other private players with expertise in mobility solutions. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) may also play a role in integrating advanced control systems and remote operation technologies.

Operational flexibility is a central theme. The platform must be deployable in varied environments, from plains to high‑altitude regions, and must support rapid integration with existing artillery regiments. 

Its design will likely incorporate modular features to adapt to different gun systems and battlefield requirements.

The Army’s specifications highlight a balance between power, mobility, and survivability. By mandating remote operation, gradient capability, and defined speed and range, the requirements ensure that the platform will be a practical solution for modern artillery warfare.

Vendors will need to demonstrate engineering innovation and reliability to meet these stringent demands.

This initiative underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its artillery regiments with indigenous, mobile, and survivable solutions. The dedicated mobility platform will be a critical enabler for rapid artillery deployment and repositioning, enhancing the Army’s operational effectiveness in future conflicts.

Agencies