Light strike vehicles to boost Special Forces

And it wants the original equipment manufacturers to transfer the technology of the same after supplying an initial set of vehicles. The move, sources in the South Block said: “...is aimed at enhancing the navigation ability of these forces in difficult terrain, where they perform operations.”

They add that the vehicle, if/when procured could mainly be deployed in para-military operations which generally throw up harsh conditions, preventing movement of vehicles. However, they said, it will come in handy even during a probable war scenario, given the kind of terrain India has along its borders.

The Army, sources pointed out, is looking for a stable vehicle with integral fire power systems with a capacity to carry four persons (including the driver) in a full-combat mode, including personal weapon.

The RFI, a copy of which is in possession with Deccan Herald, notes that the vehicle will enhance the mobility and reach of the Special Forces in different types of hostile terrains like soft sand, mountain, snow et al and that it would be used as fast attack vehicle.

The Army further seeks to know if the vehicle has provisions for hard points for a suitable weapon mount capable of firing a 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) from the co-driver’s seat at a frontal arc of minimum of 120 degrees. And hard points for a suitable weapon mount capable of mounting either the MILAN anti-tank guided missile, 0.50/12.7 Heavy Machine Gun, or Automatic Grenade Launcher in the rear permitting it to fire in a 360 degree arc.

The LSV, it (RFI) says, must be configured to have stowage space for carrying communication sets, spare ammunition, water and fuel. The Army has also sought information on whether the LSV can be air portable/para droppable using the AN-32, IL-76, MI17 etc.

Among other information sought, the Army has expressed interest in knowing if this vehicle can operate in high altitude areas ranging between 9000ft to 15000 ft mean sea level (MSL) and has demanded for a vehicle which can negotiate a verticle and tilt slope of not less than 25 degrees and a verticle step of minimum 30 cm. It also wants the vehicle to be able to operate in harsh temperatures like -10 degree celsius and 45 degree celsius.