Within just three years, the Kalyani Group, with its proven engineering prowess, has emerged a formidable leader in the protected vehicles segment. Its product profile boasts of vehicles like the armoured personnel carrier (APC), light bullet resistant vehicle (LBRV), ultra-light strike vehicle (ULSV), light armoured vehicle (LAM) and the armoured troop carrier (ATC).
The group’s flagship company Bharat Forge Ltd. has recently bagged two major export orders in the protected vehicles segment. The first order of 10 units is for the 4×4 APC, Class II (STANAG 4569) for the UN missions of the Indian Army. A first of its kind in the country in its class and category, the APC is specially designed and built to meet specific requirements of forces operating in rough terrain and areas affected by mine blasts. Powered by ruggedized, 230 – 280 hp diesel engine and paired with a 4×2 / 4×4 manual & automatic transmissions, it provides blast protection against 14 kgs TNT blast under hull, 21 kgs TNT blast under any wheels. The best-in-its-class of 4×4, it has a kerb weight ranging from 10 – 11.5 tons and payload capacity of 2 to 1.5 tons.
The group’s flagship company Bharat Forge has also bagged a big order to supply its ATC to an Asian country. Uniquely designed and built to provide logistic movements of troops in peace-keeping missions and forward areas, this mean machine is powered by ruggedized 230 – 280 hp diesel engine, paired with a 4×2 / 4×4 manual & automatic transmissions. It is capable of carrying 12 to 14 crew members with large cargo, with protection against 6 kg TNT blast and modular enough to be used as command control vehicle & also as ambulance in emergencies.
Both the APC and ATC are suitably fitted with 360 degree rotating armored turret with modular weapon mounts to meet the lethality requirements. The vehicles have been successfully tested and evaluated by armies globally, including the Indian Army.
Mr. Rajinder Singh Bhatia, President & CEO (Defence and Aerospace) at Bharat Forge Ltd., said: “Kalyani Group has always been the pioneer of new technology, and our philosophy is to always provide the best solution to the users. In this segment too, we want to make world-class products with focus on three main requirements of any user – provide best lethality, with off-road mobility and optimum protection”.