M&M commences deliveries of landmine protected vehicles

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has announced the handing over of six Mine Protected Vehicle - India (MPV-I) to the police forces of the state of Jharkhand. The initial deliveries mark the beginning of serial production of these landmine protected vehicles.

The company said deliveries were made from its Prithla plant near Faridabad, Delhi.

The company said it expects larger orders from the ministry of home affairs (MHA) for central para-military and other state police forces for these vehicles.

"We are among the four companies identified for Indian Army's future infantry combat vehicle, out of which two will be shortlisted. Already we are preparing ourselves to be ready if we are shortlisted for that," Defence Land Systems India (DLSI) managing director and CEO, Khutub Hai told agencies.

The company also said it was "looking at design and development of artillery systems" to widen its portfolio. In this it was leveraging on technology from UK firm, BAE Systems, and develop products that are cost effective but at par with global standards.

Commenting on the MPV-I, Hai said: "This is the first such vehicle of its kind indigenously manufactured by the private sector industry being delivered to the police forces in the country."