SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a setback for the U.S.-backed Stryker Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), reports have emerged of its underwhelming performance during high-altitude trials in Ladakh, conducted under the supervision of the Indian Army on behalf of General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada. While official details of the trials remain closely guarded, sources close to the Indian Army have shared revealing insights with idrw.org, painting a picture of significant operational challenges that could impact the Stryker’s prospects in India’s mechanized infantry modernization plans.
The trials, conducted in late 2024, have spotlighted the vehicle’s struggles in the rugged, oxygen-scarce terrain of Ladakh, contrasting sharply with the performance of India’s indigenous Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 in similar conditions.
According to Sources close to idrw.org, the Stryker IFV, powered by a 300-horsepower (hp) Caterpillar C7 engine, faced severe difficulties during the Ladakh trials, held at altitudes between 13,000 and 18,000 feet. Sources described the vehicle’s performance as a “disaster,” noting that it not only struggled to maneuver in flat areas but also failed to surmount a modest 20-meter hill. The thin air at such heights, coupled with the engine’s limited power output, led to persistent overheating issues. “After a few failed maneuvers, the 300hp engine was heating up due to the lack of oxygen and the constant need to operate at low torque,” a source told idrw.org. At one point, the trials had to be halted to allow the engine to cool and to prevent a potential transmission failure, underscoring the vehicle’s inability to cope with the demanding environment.
However, the Ladakh trials have cast a shadow over this roadmap. General Dynamics has responded to the Indian Army’s feedback by proposing an upgrade to a 600hp engine, with plans to conduct initial tests in the U.S. before returning the modified Stryker for re-trials in India. While this could address the power deficiency, the vehicle’s broader suitability—lacking amphibious capability and requiring significant customization—remains in question.
Sources close to the Indian Army have hinted that the trial results, though under wraps, have been forwarded to Army Headquarters for review. The lack of transparency has fueled speculation, but the stark contrast with WhAP’s performance suggests a reassessment may be imminent. For now, the Stryker’s fate hangs in the balance, with re-trials pending and the Indian Army weighing operational needs against diplomatic and industrial pressures.
In stark contrast, the indigenous WhAP 8×8, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems, reportedly excelled in similar high-altitude trials. Sources told idrw.org that the WhAP, powered by a 600hp engine, navigated the same terrain with “much greater ease,” encountering none of the overheating or mobility issues that plagued the Stryker. The WhAP’s superior power-to-weight ratio—25 hp/ton compared to the Stryker’s 17.24 hp/ton—enabled it to tackle steep gradients and maintain operational tempo, highlighting its tailored design for India’s diverse and challenging landscapes.
The Stryker’s poor showing comes amid ongoing negotiations between India and the United States for the co-production of approximately 530 IFVs to equip ten mechanized infantry battalions. The deal, part of the U.S.-India Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), has been pushed by Washington as a means to deepen defence ties and reduce India’s reliance on Russian equipment, such as the aging BMP-2 fleet. A three-phase plan—initial off-the-shelf purchases via the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, followed by co-production in India with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), and eventual co-development of advanced variants—has been under consideration since 2023.
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