Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS), a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra, has commenced production and deliveries of the Armado, an armored light specialist vehicle developed in-house for the armed forces.
In a tweet, S P Shuka, chairman of Mahindra Aerospace, Mahindra Defence, and president of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), announced the milestone, stating, “Mahindra #Defence commences production & deliveries of Armado – India’s 1st Specialist Vehicle designed, developed & built in the country for our armed forces. We are fully dedicated to serve the nation through our products & services. Jai Hind.”
Modular Design for Versatile Use
The Armado is designed to be a modular vehicle, allowing for upgrades and configurations to fulfill various operational roles. It offers ballistic protection up to B7, Stanag Level II, making it suitable for counter-terrorist operations, patrolling high-intensity areas, special forces operations, quick reaction teams, reconnaissance, border security, and desert terrain raids.
Powerful and Adaptable
Under the hood, the Armado is equipped with a 3.2-liter turbocharged direct-injection diesel engine producing 215hp and 500Nm of torque. It can run on NATO-grade diesel and achieves a top speed of over 120kph with a 0-60kph time of 12 seconds. Its payload capacity is 1,000kg.
The Armado boasts Bilstein independent suspension for all four corners, 318/80-R17 tires that can run without air or withstand punctures for up to 50km, and a central tire inflation system. It features power steering and can be configured for both left-hand and right-hand drive.
Inside, the vehicle accommodates six passengers, expandable to eight, and is equipped with a public address system, GPS, automatic grenade launcher, electric winch, HF/UHF/VHF radio, and a self-cleaning exhaust scavenging and air filtration system for dusty environments.
A Proud Step in Indigenous Defense Manufacturing
Mahindra Defence Systems’ success in delivering the Armado is a significant achievement in India’s indigenous defense manufacturing sector. The vehicle’s adaptability and advanced features make it a valuable asset for the country’s armed forces as they continue to modernize their capabilities.
The Armado represents not only a technological leap but also Mahindra’s unwavering commitment to serving the nation’s defense needs with top-quality products.
In conclusion, the rollout of the Armado by Mahindra Defence Systems marks a crucial step in bolstering India’s defense capabilities. Its versatility and indigenous development are indicative of the country’s commitment to self-reliance in the defense sector.