Indian Air Force Receives Delivery Of Made-In-India Light Bulletproof Vehicle Manufactured By Ashok Leyland

Ashok Leyland has completed the delivery of the first batch of light bulletproof vehicles (LBPV) to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 13 April.

The light bulletproof vehicle (LBPV) is an adaption of Lockheed Martin’s CVNG (common vehicle next-gen), the company said in a regulatory filing.

It has been developed under the transfer of technology (TOT) from Lockheed Martin to Ashok Leyland. It is entirely indigenised and developed in India, Ashok Leyland added in the statement.

The Union government focuses on increasing local procurement of vehicles and other equipment for the armed forces to enhance local manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

Companies like Tata Motors Ltd, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra and Mahindra have been focused on increasing their defence businesses to reduce dependence on core commercial vehicle manufacturing.

“Supplying to the armed forces is a matter of pride for us. We are delighted to have the opportunity to be able to use our expertise in mobility in service of our nation. This LBPV is another example of our team’s capability combined with a strong sense of understanding of what is required in arduous conditions. We are grateful to be a trusted partner of the Indian Armed Forces, and we look forward to more opportunities like this to contribute significantly towards the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative,” Vipin Sondhi, managing director and chief executive, Ashok Leyland, said.