SOURCE: AFI
In a significant development for India’s defense sector, commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland announced on Friday that its defence business has clinched orders worth over Rs 700 crore from the Indian Army. This milestone not only underscores the company’s enduring partnership with the armed forces but also solidifies its position as a leader in advanced mobility solutions tailored for military applications. The announcement, made on March 28, 2025, highlights Ashok Leyland’s pivotal role in supporting the Indian Army’s operational needs across diverse and challenging terrains.
The contracts encompass a wide array of specialized vehicles designed to meet the Indian Army’s requirements for troop transportation, logistics, and specialized mobility under the Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS) programme. The vehicles include the rugged Stallion 4×4 and 6×6 trucks, a short chassis bus, and a mobility system travelling platform. Ashok Leyland emphasized that these platforms combine “superior reliability with exceptional off-road capability,” ensuring seamless maneuverability across India’s most demanding landscapes—from the icy heights of the Himalayas to the scorching deserts of Rajasthan.
The Stallion series, a mainstay of the Indian Army’s logistics backbone, has been a trusted name for decades, with over 70,000 units in service. The 4×4 and 6×6 variants are renowned for their versatility, capable of operating in extreme conditions ranging from -35°C to 55°C and at altitudes up to 5,500 meters. The short chassis bus and mobility system travelling platform further expand the Army’s operational flexibility, supporting troop movements and specialized tasks with efficiency and durability.
Ashok Leyland’s relationship with the Indian Army dates back over five decades, with its vehicles proving their mettle in real-world conflicts like the 1999 Kargil War, where the Stallion achieved a 95% operational availability rate under hostile conditions. This latest order builds on that legacy, reflecting the company’s ability to evolve and deliver cutting-edge solutions aligned with modern military demands.
Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ashok Leyland, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “For decades, Ashok Leyland has been a trusted partner in defence mobility. We are immensely proud to have secured these new orders, which reinforce Ashok Leyland’s leadership in the sector and reaffirm our commitment to deliver cutting-edge solutions for the armed forces.” Agarwal also highlighted the strategic importance of the defence vertical, noting, “The defence business remains a key pillar of Ashok Leyland’s future growth.”
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.