SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army recently acquired 96 ATOR N1200 Specialist Mobility Vehicles (SMVs) manufactured at JSW Gecko’s newly established facility in Chandigarh, Punjab. This acquisition marks a significant step in indigenizing high-mobility, all-terrain vehicles, crucial for military operations in challenging terrains.
The ATOR N1200 is an indigenized version of the SHERP N1200, an amphibious extreme mobility vehicle designed by UK-based Copato Ltd. Copato has partnered with JSW Defence and JSW Gecko through a joint venture and technology supply license agreement to enable local manufacturing in India.
Designed for “go-anywhere” capabilities, the ATOR N1200 features a robust 4×4 drivetrain and massive 71 x 23 x 25-inch ultra-low pressure tires. The vehicle’s patented Quadro Sherp tire design provides excellent ground adhesion and enables amphibious movement, making it ideal for operations in marshlands, snow, and deserts.
While the ATOR N1200’s all-terrain capabilities are impressive, its tires stand out both for their design and cost. Each tire is priced at a steep $7,000 (approximately ?5.8 lakh) in the international market, making them one of the most expensive components of the vehicle. These specialized tires are elastic, ultra-low pressure, and capable of propelling the vehicle in water—a critical feature for amphibious mobility.
Given the high cost of these tires, questions arise about their localization in India. With each ATOR N1200 costing around ?2 crore, reducing the cost of components like tires could significantly improve affordability for the Indian Army.
To ensure cost efficiency and self-reliance, JSW Gecko’s ability to manufacture these tires locally will be a pivotal factor. The tires’ complex design and patented technology pose challenges, but domestic production could bring down costs significantly while enhancing India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.
In addition to tires, localizing the vehicle’s engine and other critical components will also be essential to reduce dependence on imports and make the ATOR N1200 a fully indigenized platform.
If JSW Gecko can successfully indigenize the Quadro Sherp tires and other key components, the ATOR N1200 could become a cost-effective solution for India’s armed forces, with potential export opportunities to other countries looking for extreme mobility vehicles.