L&T and BAE Systems Begin Production of BvS 10 Sindhu All-Terrain Vehicles in Gujarat

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and BAE Systems have commenced the production of the BvS 10 Sindhu, a tracked and articulated all-terrain vehicle (ATV), at L&T’s Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira, Gujarat. The joint manufacturing follows a technology transfer agreement between the two companies.

According to BAE Systems representatives, the BvS 10 has been specifically modified for the Indian Army's high-altitude deployment needs. Adaptations include increased engine power and the addition of a winterisation kit to ensure operational sustenance in extreme hot and cold conditions. The twin-carriage amphibious platform splits into front and rear cabins for high mobility, with a capacity to carry ten passengers across terrains ranging from the Rann of Kutch to the heights of Leh.

Production of the platform began on Wednesday with top executives from BAE Systems, including President Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, Regional Director Darren Restarick, Managing Director for India Anthony Walton, and Head of Business Development Pankaj Kaushik, present at the Hazira facility.

The initial supply order comprises 18 vehicles, with deliveries to the Indian Army expected to commence in the second quarter of 2027. The entire order is slated for completion by December next year. L&T will manage the maintenance and repair of the vehicles. Engineers from L&T will be trained at BAE Systems' facility in Hägglunds, Sweden, and will subsequently train Army personnel on the maintenance of the Sindhu.

Discussing the local manufacturing and indigenisation efforts, BAE Systems officials noted that the partnership aims to meet and exceed current government requirements for Indian content. Anthony Walton highlighted that L&T has developed a new power pack for the vehicle, pointing to co-development aspects beyond standard assembly operations. Tommy Gustafsson-Rask noted that BAE Systems has previously supplied approximately 12,000 units of the vehicle globally to countries including the US, UK, Germany, Sweden, and Ukraine.

"The commencement of production for the BvS 10 Sindhu at L&T's Hazira facility highlights the growing depth of India's defence industrial base and the effectiveness of technology transfer partnerships. By moving beyond simple assembly to include local co-development, such as new power pack integration and localized maintenance training, this collaboration demonstrates how global defense majors can successfully align with domestic manufacturing mandates. For the broader business and industrial ecosystem, this venture underscores the increasing technical capabilities of Indian engineering firms in executing complex, high-specification defense contracts." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes