Why in news?
On 19 November 2025 the Indian Army signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to procure BvS10 Sindhu vehicles, an upgraded version of the BvS10 articulated all‑terrain armoured carrier. L&T will manufacture 18 vehicles at its Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira with technology and design support from BAE Systems Hägglunds, the platform’s original developer. This is the first time the vehicle will be produced in Asia under a licensing arrangement.
Background
The BvS10 was originally developed in Sweden for military operations in snow and swamp conditions. It consists of two tracked units linked by an articulated joint, enabling the vehicle to flex over uneven terrain. The Sindhu variant has been customised for India’s diverse geography—from high‑altitude mountains and snowy passes to deserts, marshland and flood‑prone regions. After a series of demanding trials at sea level and at high altitude, the vehicle demonstrated exceptional performance and was selected by the Indian Army.
Features of BvS10 Sindhu
- High mobility: The articulated track design distributes weight evenly, allowing the vehicle to traverse snow, ice, rock, sand, mud and swamp without sinking. Its amphibious capability enables it to swim across flooded areas and coastal waters.
- All‑weather operations: The vehicle operates in extreme temperatures—hot deserts and freezing mountains—making it suitable for India’s varied battlefields such as the Himalayas, Thar Desert and marshy riverine belts.
- Modular design: The twin‑cab configuration can be reconfigured for multiple roles: troop transport, command and control, logistics and supply, ambulance, repair and recovery or as a weapons platform. The rear cabin is interchangeable, enabling rapid mission changes.
- Technology transfer and Make in India: L&T will manufacture the vehicles in India with assistance from BAE Systems. The agreement includes integrated logistics support for deployment, maintenance and life‑cycle sustainment, reinforcing self‑reliance in defence manufacturing.
- Global service record: Variants of the BvS10 are in service with Austria, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, and on order for Germany. India’s contract marks the first expansion of the platform into Asia.
Significance
The BvS10 Sindhu will provide the Indian Army with unmatched mobility across difficult terrain, enhancing operational readiness during disasters and in conflict zones. Its modularity supports diverse missions ranging from logistics support to casualty evacuation. The contract showcases India’s drive toward indigenous production and technology absorption under the Make in India initiative. By establishing a domestic manufacturing line with technology transfer, India strengthens its defence industrial base and reduces reliance on imports.
Source: L&T Press Release · THE HINDU