Pune: The first set of indigenously developed vehicles were inducted by Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane at a ceremony held at the Bombay Engineer Group (BEG) and Centre here on April 12.

The inducted vehicles were Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle Medium (QRFV), Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV) developed by Tata Advanced System Limited (TASL) and Monocoque Hull Multi Role Mine Protected Armoured Vehicle developed by Bharat Forge.

The IPMV is a co-development project with DRDO.

The vehicles jointly designed and developed by TASL along with the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), have been manufactured at a facility in Pune and built on the strategic 8×8 Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP).

The vehicles have undergone stringent field trials in different terrains including high altitude areas and desert areas by the Indian Army. These vehicles include TASL’s in-house designed and developed Remote Controlled Weapon Station and have onboard thermal sights and external add-on armour protection panels which have been developed by Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory of DRDO. This is the first commercial sale of a strategic platform that has been co-developed by DRDO and a private player.

General MM Naravane appreciated Tata and Bharat Forge for their commitment in strengthening “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative of government of India and continued engagement with the Indian Army for past decades.

Apart from the vehicles, Ultra Long Range Observation System developed and manufactured by TASL was also inducted. It will be mainly used for surveillance, observation, border security, artillery, and strategic security applications.

The induction of these indigenously developed armoured protected vehicles by TASL and Bharat Forge would greatly enhance the operational capabilities of Indian Army in future conflicts.