Tata Motors building AFVs alongside trucks
At Indo Defence 2016 in Jakarta, Indian vehicle manufacturer Tata Motors is showing, as might be expected, several of its logistics and utility vehicle solutions. However, company officials also revealed a move into the armoured vehicle sector.
The first vehicle of its type to be designed and built in India, the KESTREL 8×8 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) has been developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to meet the potential requirements of the Indian Army. With a gross weight of 22.5-26t, depending on configuration, the vehicle has a two man crew and up to 10 dismounts.
A single prototype has so far been built and is undergoing evaluation, but officials state that options under consideration include a wide range of weapon systems, including mounting a complete BMP-2 turret.