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Tata Motors strategically moving to a combat vehicle player in defence space

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NEW DELHI: With an order for 1,200 high-mobility 6X6 multi-axle trucks for the Indian Army in its kitty, Tata Motors is now eyeing the combat vehicle space. "Tata Motors is strategically moving from a logistics support provider, to a combat vehicle player," Vernon Noronha, Vice President, Defence and Government Business, Tata Motors told Economictimes.com.



"In combat vehicles, Tata Motors has indigenously designed and developed the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WHAP), an Indian Armoured Personnel Carrier, designed for optimized survivability, all terrain performance and increased lethality," Noronha explained on being asked about Tata Motors' long-term vision in the defence space.


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In pic: Tata's 6X6 multi-axle truck

According to Noronha, the idea is to ensure high mobility, fire power and protection to troops during military operations. "Tata Motors is currently leading the Tata Groups' ambitions with the FICV (Future infantry combat vehicle) program," Noronha added.

According to a TOI report, Tata Motors is confident of bagging the 60,000-crore deal to build FICVs and is is considering setting up a new manufacturing and design facility in Dharwad, where it had already acquired land.


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In pic: Tata's 6X6 multi-axle truck


Meanwhile, the company will soon deliver the first batch of high-mobility 6X6 multi-axle trucks to the Indian Army. According to Noronha, all trucks will be delivered within a period of 24 months. Tata had bagged the order worth Rs 900 crore in July.

The trucks will be used for loading-unloading and transportation of ammunition pallets, spares and other operational equipment.

Talking about the trucks, Noronha said, "The Tata 6X6 is designed for easy operability. High ground clearance enables better negotiation of gradients, sand dunes, off-road terrains, trenches with higher water & mud fording capabilities, whilst carrying designated military payloads." "The vehicle is also capable of achieving sustained speeds of 40 kmph, on severe cross country terrains," he added.
 
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They have a design for the LSV, LAMV, FICV, and WHAP programs.

The most interesting is the fact TATA responded right away to the FRCV program by the army. Which is basically a tank platform.

Several private firms are expanding out the logistic arena, into frontline combat vehicle space. Basically getting right in OFBs face.

L&T just won the tender for the tracked artillery program to produce the K9-thunder. And if TATA, or anyone else other than L&T or OFB wins the tender for FICV program, India will have 2 more armored manufacturing plants coming up.
 
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