Tata Motors’ exhibitory range of vehicles displayed were very different from those exhibited in the earlier shows, and all of them were armoured vehicles.
Said Mr. Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors: “We have been in the logistics business for more than 30 years. We have been supplying buses, and have supplied light armoured sumo and safaris and some VFJ kits. But with vehicles like the Kestrel and the MPV (Mine Protected Vehicle), we are now ready with heavy armouring / defence vehicles too. It is also confirmed when we are seen as the front-runner to the FICV (Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle) bid. We have submitted an EOI in partnership with General Dynamics, which is one of the leading defence companies in the world, and Bharat Forge.”
In fact, when the show was inaugurated, Tata’s Kestrel was demonstrated in the presence of the Defence Minister, Mr. Manohar Parrikar. “Make in India and preference to Indian companies is good for the country as buying in India makes a lot of business sense as the cost of procurement will go down and the Indian industry will also flourish,” Mr. Pisharody quipped.
Tata Motors’ faith was reciprocated by the Indian Army when the company signed a follow-on contract for the supply of an additional 619 units of its high-mobility (HMV) 6X6 multi-axle truck. Being built with a material handling crane, the Tata 6X6 HMV is meant for loading, unloading and transportation of ammunition pallets, spares and other operational equipment.
Speaking at the expo, Mr. Vernon Noronha, Vice President, Defence & Government Business, Tata Motors Ltd., observed: “We at Tata Motors are extremely encouraged by the country’s thrust on ‘indigenisation’, which not only helps strengthen the country’s defence manufacturing base, but also emphasizes cost-effective maintenance, serviceability and upgradation of defence equipment. With this contract we are proud to have received an additional order for 619 units of our indigenously developed Tata 6 X 6 high-mobility vehicle, having cleared rigorous trials and successfully competed against products from rival bidders, from top European and global defence companies, underlining the stringent requirements of the Indian Army and the global standards of our defence offerings. In line with the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, we will continue to focus on further developing a comprehensive range of defence vehicles right here in India, including front-line combat vehicles such as the FICV to meet the evolving requirements of defence forces in India, and around the world.”
This follows an earlier order awarded to Tata Motors for 1,239 units of its 6X6 high mobility vehicles and is the single largest order awarded to an Indian private OEM in land systems by the Indian Army.
Focused platforms
On the platform side Tata Motor’s 6×6 and the 8×8 are the most promising. “The orders we have got is on 6×6, given the terrain and versatility 12×12 will be of limited use but 6×6 and 8×8 will be sold in large numbers,” explained Mr. Pisharody. MPV is a different platform altogether.
Many overseas defence organisations were here, particularly from SAARC, and it was the best stage to showcase the vehicle to them. “It gives us an indication that while it is good for India it also has a similar potential overseas. The MPV started with initial orders from Maharashtra, and now we have supplied 60-70 units to at least 4-5 States. We have got enquiries for vehicles that have gone to Africa, SA and might go to ASEAN as well,” he added.