SOURCE: AFI
In a significant milestone for India’s defense manufacturing sector, Mahindra Defence Systems Limited (MDSL) has successfully delivered 50 Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar Systems (VMIMS) to the Indian Army. This cutting-edge system, a collaborative effort between Mahindra and UK-based Milanion NTGS, integrates the advanced Alakran mortar system with Mahindra’s rugged Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV), known in Indian service as the “Armado.” The delivery of this initial batch, completed by late 2024 as scheduled, underscores India’s growing prowess in indigenous defense production under the “Make in India” initiative.
The Mahindra VMIMS is a specialized mortar platform mounted on a 4×4 Armado vehicle, designed to enhance the Indian Army’s mobility, firepower, and precision on the battlefield. Available in configurations featuring either an 81mm or 120mm mortar, the system employs an electromechanical or hydraulic deployment mechanism for rapid setup and firing. This design enables the VMIMS to excel in “shoot and scoot” operations—a tactical approach where the system can unleash a barrage of eight rounds in under two minutes before swiftly relocating to evade counterattacks. With a maximum firing range of 6.5 to 8.2 kilometers, depending on the mortar caliber, the VMIMS provides a versatile and lethal capability for engaging targets at a distance.
The system’s digital fire control technology ensures pinpoint accuracy, while its lightweight yet robust construction allows it to adapt to diverse terrains, from deserts to mountainous regions. These attributes make the VMIMS an ideal asset for supporting mechanized battalions, offering rapid deployment and sustained firepower in dynamic combat scenarios.
The VMIMS is a proud product of the “Make in India” initiative, with production taking place at Mahindra’s state-of-the-art facilities in New Delhi. The collaboration with Milanion NTGS, a West London-headquartered firm, brought the combat-proven Alakran mortar system into the fold, seamlessly integrated onto the Armado platform. This partnership not only highlights India’s ability to co-develop advanced military technology but also reinforces its commitment to reducing reliance on foreign imports.
The system first captured national attention during India’s 75th Republic Day parade in 2024, where it rolled down Kartavya Path in New Delhi, showcasing the country’s military prowess and indigenous engineering capabilities. Its appearance was a testament to the Indian Army’s modernization efforts and Mahindra’s growing role as a key player in the defense sector.
The delivery of 50 VMIMS units by late 2024 marks the completion of an initial contract awarded to Mahindra following a teaming agreement with Milanion NTGS. This batch significantly enhances the Indian Army’s indirect fire capabilities, providing mechanized units with a mobile, high-precision mortar system that can keep pace with fast-moving operations. The Armado’s 4×4 configuration ensures exceptional maneuverability, while its armored protection shields crews from small arms fire and shrapnel, a critical advantage in contested environments.
The VMIMS’s “shoot and scoot” design addresses a key vulnerability of traditional mortars: exposure to counter-battery fire. By firing a rapid salvo and relocating within minutes, the system minimizes the risk of detection and retaliation, enhancing survivability on the battlefield. Its adaptability to various terrains, coupled with its heliborne capability due to its lightweight design, further amplifies its utility across India’s diverse operational theaters—from the high-altitude reaches of Sikkim to the arid expanses of Rajasthan.
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