For over five decades, Ashok Leyland has been a market leader in the Defence logistics segment. More than 70,000 Stallion trucks form the backbone of the logistics operations of the Indian Army. Known for their reliability, performance and durability, the vehicles have not only gone through the stringent evaluation criteria of one of the world’s largest armies, but have also successfully endured real battle in Kargil.
Going forward, the company has embarked on a strategy for growth that leverages its capabilities involving expansion of product lines and integration of global weapon systems with its mobility platforms. The company range of advanced vehicles for Defence were unveiled at the DEFEXPO 2014 held in New Delhi.
Over the past three years, Ashok Leyland has diversified its product platform at both ends of the spectrum entering a segment it has never played in before. It has a brand-new 2.5T Truck and, at the opposite end of the spectrum, it has the new variant of its Super Stallion platform with the 10×10 HMV. A new mine protected vehicle (MPV) also joins this new fleet.
The Garuda 4×4 is a truly contemporary product. Equipped with a powerful yet extremely fuel-efficient engine (BS4-ready) and high manoeuvrability, the Garuda 4×4 can carry payloads of up to 2.5 T, thus offering unmatched mobility to the Paramilitary forces / Security agencies both in India and abroad. The modern cabin offers state-of-the-art ergonomics and comfort with HVAC option.
The Super Stallion 10×10 vehicle builds on the strengths of the Super-Stallion 6×6 and 8×8 vehicles, which have performed extremely well in the Indian Army trials ranging from deserts to high altitude areas. The Super-Stallion 10×10 vehicle can carry higher payloads and at the same time offer superior mobility.
These new products, taken together, mean that Ashok Leyland vehicles are now available in 4×4, 6×6, 8×8 and 10×10 configurations and can cover various applications ranging from troop carriers to weapons systems such as the Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher, Mounted Gun System, UAV launcher and Command Post Applications, besides mine protected vehicles, field artillery tractor, tank transporter, electronics warfare systems, Bridge Launcher, and many more.
The Super Stallion 6×6, powered by the high technology Neptune engine, has passed the stringent Indian Army trials in flying colours, and has now been upgraded with a state-of-the-art new generation cabin that will offer superior comfort to the driver with features such as air-suspended seats, ergonomic controls and ride quality. The vehicle can be used for a variety of applications both in the logistics and tactical segments.
Ashok Leyland has made its foray into the armoured vehicles segment with the Mine Protected Vehicle (MPV). The vehicle offers unmatched mobility and stringent levels of protection. Its unique design offers ability to withstand a 14 kg TNT blast under the hull and 21 kg TNT blast under the wheel. This apart, the vehicle comes with an unprecedented side blast protection of 11 kg TNT and an extremely lethal nitrate-based emulsion blast of 50 kg.
Integration with global system suppliers
In its endeavor to provide the Indian Army the best technological solutions, Ashok Leyland and SAAB have signed a partnership agreement to deliver high mobility vehicles for SAAB’s BAMSE Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SRSAM) system. All sub-units within the BAMSE SRSAM will be integrated with AL’s Super Stallion 8×8, a high mobility vehicle capable of operating in all types of geographical terrains under all weather conditions.
Ashok Leyland has provided a mount for Nexter Systems’ world renowned Howitzer – the Caesar to provide the mounted gun system to the Indian Army. The Caesar, a 155 mm / 52-calibre gun-howitzer, has been integrated onto AL’s Super Stallion 6×6, a high mobility vehicle.
These and other similar relationships underscore Ashok Leyland’s commitment to provide the Indian Army with the best technology available in the world for logistics and tactical solutions and stay true to its mission of being the trusted mobility partner for India’s Defence forces.