Tata Motors to take a shot at bullet-proof vehicles for army

Entering the business of combat vehicles manufacturing for the defence sector, Tata Motors today said it would bid to supply light bullet-proof vehicles to the Indian Army, with a possible order size of Rs 350 crore.

The company today launched an anti-mine vehicle for use by the Indian Army, paramilitary and police forces.

"Defence business is becoming a big business. We are the largest commercial vehicle maker, so we think we are poised to play an important role. From supplying only common vehicles, we have moved into various specialised vehicles," Tata Motors Vice-Chairman Ravi Kant told reporters here.

Besides, the company also aims to mechanise and upgrade the transportation of the Indian Army at lower cost, he added.

Tata Motors, which has supplied about 120,000 units to India's defence and paramilitary forces since 1958, is planning to bid for supplying light bullet-proof vehicles, to be manufactured on its multi-utility vehicle Sumo's platform.

"We are currently competing for an Army tender for supplying the bullet proof vehicles... The order will be for almost 1,000 vehicles and a normal bullet-proof vehicle costs about Rs 35 lakh," Tata Motors Head (Defence Business) V S Noronha said.

The company will be competing with other local auto makers such as Mahindra & Mahindra and Ashok Leyland for supplying the vehicles.

Noronha said the company would also participate in production of futuristic infantry combat vehicles, which would work as a system integrator.

When asked how much Tata Motors plans to invest in the defence business, Noronha said: "Outlay in R&D alone is a couple of hundred crores. On manufacturing and other areas, we leverage from our commercial vehicle business."

The company also plans to form partnerships and harness the capabilities of its subsidiaries and other Tata Group firms, he added.

On the possibility of using Land Rover for defence purposes in India, Kant said Tata Motors was looking at prospects of utilising the British marque in the defence sector as it does with other brands of the company.

Besides the Indian Army, Tata Motors also supplies vehicles to some defence forces in Africa and Asia.

So far, Tata Motors had been supplying vehicles, including troop carriers, armoured buses, light specialist vehicles and aviation fuel dispensers. With the launch of mine-proof vehicles, the company aims to widen its portfolio.

"Our aim is to participate in the entire defence value chain. Besides consolidating our traditional supplies, going forward we will also participate in creating vehicles and equipment specific to the defence sector," Managing Director (India Operations) P M Telang said.