Context: The Indian Army, on March 25, 2022, issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the supply of 18 articulated all-terrain vehicles (AATVs) to be deployed in Ladakh and Kutch. Of them, 12 vehicles would be supplied to Nimu in Ladakh and six to Bhuj in Gujarat. They will be of great help to the army in the snow-bound areas of Ladakh and in the marshy terrain of the Rann of Kutch.
Articulated All-Terrain Vehicle
Articulated all-terrain vehicle is a twin cabin, tracked, amphibious carrier for off road mobility. The special design of this equipment exerts low ground pressure on the soil and a pull-push mode of locomotion between two cabins facilitates mobility over varied terrains like snow, desert, and slush. A ballistic protection in the cabin body ensures protection from small arms fire to troops travelling in it.
These vehicles are very useful to move troops or supplies in snow-bound terrains and in marshy/sandy environments. They can reach where wheeled vehicles cannot move because of deep snow, slush, or marshy terrain. The AATVs can be very effective for patrolling and rapid deployment in operational situations.
The AATV has a payload capability of 2,500–3,000 kg, and can operate in sand, snow, and rough rocky terrain even through 50 cm deep water. The other features include long endurance on the ground, can travel up to 150 km without refuelling, which can be extended by additional fuel tanks in its diesel variant.
Several Western countries manufacture the AATVs, including Canada and Finland. The NASU vehicle of Finland (a tracked truck) is used by the Finnish, French, Belgian, and US armies among others.
Similarly, the Bandvagn 206 (BV206) is a Sweden-made AATV, which is now part of BAE Systems, Platforms, and Services (a large provider of tracked and wheeled armoured combat vehicles). The British and the US militaries also use the Bandvagn 206. The Russian Army uses its own products, the DT-30 Vityaz vehicle and GAZ 3344.
BV206 is the most widely known but now it is becoming an aging vehicle. BAE Systems’ BvS10 Beowulf might be a relevant contender. Multiple variants of the vehicle are already operating in five countries, first going into service with the UK Royal Marines in 2005.
Requirements in the Army
The Indian Army specifies certain requirements: the vehicle should be able to perform at heights of 18,000 ft in glaciated and snow-bound conditions and in salty/dry marshes. The vehicles should be able to seat 10 soldiers with full combat load (excluding the crew) and should have inbuilt ballistic protection. It should have an operating range of not less than 150 km in cross country terrain in plains and at an altitude of 15,000 to 18,000 ft in the mountains. The vehicles should have a service life of at least 15 years.
Significance for Army
The electric variant of the vehicle can also be introduced based on the tactical requirements. It can also be airlifted. The multi-purpose quality is enhanced by the ability to attach tooling to the front, rear, and top. This has tremendous advantages in different battlefield conditions. For example, its unique selling point (USP) will be enhanced many times once it is enabled by artificial intelligence (AI). The Navy veterans are confident that this multi-purpose vehicle (MVP) will operate across all terrains in India and meet the operational requirements of the Indian Army. It can meet several requirements of the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and the Coast Guard.
The AATV will be of great help especially for the three border guarding forces—the Border Security Force (BSF), the Indo-Tibet Border Police (ITBP), and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The AATV can enhance the forces’ efficiency and supervision along the international frontiers across several terrains.
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