SOURCE: AFI
The Ordnance Depot at Avadi, under the aegis of the Indian Army’s Southern Command (@IaSouthern) and Dakshin Bharat Area (DBArea), has dispatched a batch of indigenously built Mahindra Light Specialist Vehicles (LSVs) for deployment with the Northern Command. These rugged, modular, and versatile vehicles, assembled at Avadi from kits supplied by Mahindra Defence Systems Limited (MDSL), are optimized for rapid field operations across diverse and harsh terrains, enhancing the Indian Army’s tactical mobility in challenging environments like Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
This milestone underscores Avadi’s critical role in India’s defense logistics and the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in delivering homegrown solutions for national security.
The Mahindra LSV, also known as the Armado, is a lightweight, four-wheel-drive, air-transportable tactical armored vehicle designed to meet the Indian Army’s need for agility and protection in high-intensity combat zones. Powered by a 3.2-liter, six-cylinder Steyr turbodiesel engine delivering 215 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, the LSV boasts a top speed exceeding 120 km/h and can accelerate from 0-60 km/h in 12 seconds. Its modular design allows for multiple configurations, including:
- Armored Protection Vehicle (6 or 8-seater, with ballistic protection up to STANAG Level II, capable of stopping 7.62mm NATO rounds and heavy .50 BMG ammunition).
- Weapon Carrier (equipped with medium machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, or Milan-2T anti-tank guided missiles).
- Mortar Carrier (integrating the Alakran Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar System with 81mm or 120mm mortars for shoot-and-scoot operations).
- Command and Control Vehicle and Ambulance variants for specialized roles.
The LSV’s high-travel independent suspension, central tire inflation system, and self-cleaning exhaust make it ideal for rugged terrains, from Ladakh’s high-altitude deserts to Jammu and Kashmir’s mountainous valleys. With a payload capacity of 400-1,000 kg and protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mines, the LSV is tailored for counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, border patrolling, and special forces operations.
The Ordnance Depot at Avadi, a key logistics hub under Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), played a pivotal role in assembling the LSVs from kits supplied by Mahindra Defence. This process, completed on April 17, 2025, demonstrates Avadi’s expertise in integrating complex defense systems while ensuring quality and operational readiness. The depot, located 22 km from Chennai, has a storied history of supporting India’s armed forces, from maintaining T-72 Ajeya tanks to dispatching specialized equipment for Northern Command’s demanding operational requirements.
The LSV kits, delivered as part of a ?1,056 crore contract signed in March 2021 for 1,300 vehicles, include pre-manufactured components such as chassis, armor panels, weapon mounts, and electronics. Avadi’s skilled technicians assembled these into fully functional vehicles, incorporating mission-specific configurations requested by Northern Command units. “The modular design of the LSV allows efficient maintenance and field adaptability,” noted a depot official. “Our team ensured each vehicle meets the Army’s stringent standards for deployment in extreme conditions.”
This dispatch follows earlier deliveries, including batches sent in January 2024 and June 2023, with Mahindra on track to complete the 1,300-unit order by late 2025. The collaboration between Avadi and Mahindra exemplifies the synergy between public-sector logistics and private-sector innovation, a cornerstone of India’s Make in India initiative.
The LSVs are particularly valuable in contested regions like the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where tensions with China have underscored the need for agile, self-reliant platforms. Their deployment complements other indigenous systems, such as the Dhanush artillery and Kalyani M4 vehicles, reinforcing Northern Command’s readiness for multi-domain operations.
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