Indian Army issued RFI for Armoured Recovery Vehicles

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Ministry of Defence of the Government of India has unveiled its intention to procure 170 Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARV) built on a tracked platform. This strategic move is poised to strengthen India’s military capabilities by ensuring swift recovery and repair of armoured vehicles under various challenging terrain and weather conditions.

This Request for Information (RFI) is a pivotal step in the procurement process, aimed at finalizing the Specific Qualitative Requirements (SQRs), determining the appropriate procurement category, and identifying potential Indian vendors capable of commencing ARV supply within two years of the contract award. The intended production rate is a minimum of 50 ARV vehicles per year, underscoring India’s commitment to expedited reinforcement of its military infrastructure.

The ARV’s intended application encompasses a range of demanding terrains, emphasizing its versatility and adaptability. These terrains include:

1. Plain, Semi-Desert, and Desert Terrain: These conditions, prevalent along India’s western borders, present unique challenges for military operations. The ARV must navigate and operate effectively in these harsh, arid environments.
2. High Altitude and Mountainous Terrain:** Along India’s northern borders, including Eastern Ladakh, Central Sector, and North Sikkim, the ARV is expected to function flawlessly in high-altitude areas, with altitudes reaching up to 5,000 meters. The rugged and challenging mountainous terrain demands specialized equipment capable of overcoming formidable obstacles.

Weather conditions pose an additional set of challenges for the ARV. It must operate effectively during the day and night, even in the face of commonly encountered weather conditions such as snow, rain, dust, and sand. These weather challenges are particularly pertinent to the mentioned terrains.

Key specifications for the ARV include:

1. Tracked Chassis: The ARV should be configured on a tracked chassis, which provides superior manoeuvrability and traction, making it suitable for a range of terrains from deserts to high-altitude regions.
2. Weight and Carriage Capacity: The gross vehicle weight is expected to be in the range of 45 to 50 tons, with a minimum carriage capacity of 2 tons for spares and equipment on the loading platform. This ensures that the ARV can effectively transport essential components for armoured vehicle recovery and repair.
3. Engine and Power: The ARV should feature a diesel fuel-based engine or power pack with a turbocharged system, preferably rear-mounted. Low thermal and acoustic signature capabilities are essential for minimizing detection in combat scenarios.
4. Protection: The ARV must provide robust protection against a variety of threats, including High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT), High Explosive (HE), and Fin-Stabilized Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS) rounds. The specified protection levels in STANAG 4569 standards ensure the ARV’s resilience in the face of these threats.

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