Prathamesh Basagare, Pune
The Indian army has given Ashok Leyland large orders totaling 800 crore rupees in the defence industry. The contracts cover the purchase of the Gun Towing Vehicle (GTV 66) and Field Artillery Tractor (FAT 44).
The deal was revealed today by Ashok Leyland, the Indian Army’s top provider of logistics vehicles. The issued contracts also cover the purchase of the Gun Towing Vehicle (GTV 66) and Field Artillery Tractor (FAT 44).
The Artillery uses two specialized vehicles, the FAT 44 and GTV 66, to tow light and medium weapons. These platforms were previously mentioned in the Ministry of Defence’s initial positive indigenization list.
By providing 782 fully assembled units (CBUs) in the defense sector in FY23, Ashok Leyland lessened the reliance on VFJ (Vehicle Factory Jabalpur) kits. Additionally, it gave the Indian Army 360 water bowsers in record time. It has been extended into the Indian Navy with the HMV 4×4 (RIV – Rapid Intervention Vehicle) and the DGBR (Directorate-General Border Roads) with BAGH versions.
Ashok Leyland’s MD and CEO, Shenu Agarwal, commented on the order’s victory. “We are immensely proud to have secured these orders from the Indian Army. The defence business has been a strong pillar of growth for us, and this win further establishes our leadership in the defense mobility vehicles business.”
“This is also a testament to our firm commitment to providing advanced mobility solutions for our armed forces,” he adds.
Amandeep Singh, President of Ashok Leyland’s Defence Business, expressed his thoughts on the victory in the following way: “Ashok Leyland’s dependable mobility solutions have consistently remained a formidable asset within the defense sector, catering to the diverse needs of personnel and logistics across the armed forces.”