The Indian Army has selected BAE Systems Hägglunds’ BvS10 AATV as its new all-terrain armored platform, making India the first Asian nation to adopt the vehicle. Under a new partnership arrangement, 18 BvS10 “Sindhu” vehicles configured for troop transport will be manufactured by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at its Hazira Armoured Systems Complex. The project represents a major leap in India’s ability to field advanced mobility systems for challenging terrain.
The agreement includes a substantial technology and design transfer package from BAE Systems to L&T, ensuring Indian engineers gain full expertise for production, integration, and long-term maintenance. The contract also covers logistics support, maintenance equipment, and lifecycle services, allowing the Army to deploy the vehicles confidently from the outset. The first batch is expected to be delivered within two years of the contract being finalized.
India’s Ministry of Defence launched its AATV procurement effort in 2022 to secure platforms capable of operating in high-altitude zones, marshlands, steep mountain regions, and swamp-like terrain. The BvS10 competed directly against the indigenous Talwar ATV, with BAE Systems and L&T demonstrating the vehicle publicly in September 2023 before emerging as the winning entry. The program advances Make in India goals by ensuring more than 60% indigenous content in production.
The BvS10 Sindhu has been customized for Indian requirements, featuring a 350 hp engine and upgraded turbocharger to boost performance in extreme climates. During trials, the vehicle successfully operated at altitudes above 18,000 feet, proving its suitability for Himalaya-sector deployments. The articulated dual-body configuration provides exceptional mobility over ice, rock, mud, steep gradients, and broken terrain, while its amphibious capability ensures smooth transit through shallow water and flooding zones. The platform’s modular design supports multiple roles including ambulance, command post, logistics carrier, and surveillance vehicle.
