Ashok Leyland to supply 10×10 heavy vehicles to Indian Army

Indian Army has awarded Rs. 100-crore contract for 81 high mobility 10×10 vehicles to India’s leading vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland.

• This is for the first time an Indian vehicle manufacturer will deliver heavy duty, high mobility vehicles for the launchers.
• This will reduce dependency on imports.

Details about the 10×10 vehicles:

• The heavy duty, high mobility vehicles manufactured by Ashok Leyland are fully designed, developed and built in India.
• They will replace Indian Army’s ageing Russian-built Smerch Multi-Barrel Rocket launchers (MBRL).
• They will also carry strategic missiles developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• The indigenous 10×10 vehicle will be powered by Ashok Leyland’s 360HP Neptune engine.
• It can carry a maximum load of 27 tonnes at a maximum speed of 60 kmph.
• Some of these vehicles will be fitted with rocket handling cranes.
• Their delivery will start in this financial year and will be completed in the next financial year.

Why is indigenisation important?

• The indigenising vehicles is a key step in improving the maintenance and efficiency of Indian Army’s logistics chain.
• In recent years, Indian vehicle manufacturers have managed to develop a variety of heavy and specialist vehicles required by the Armed Forces, thereby reducing import dependency. 
• Ashok Leyland also has won tender from DRDO to develop even heavier 12×12 vehicles to mount country’s long range strategic missiles. 
• These vehicles can carry a maximum load of 34 tonnes.

Question:

Q. The Indian Army has awarded Rs. 100-crore contract for 81 high mobility 10×10 vehicles to India’s which leading vehicle manufacturer?
a. Tata Motors
b. Bajaj Auto
c. Ashok Leyland
d. Mahindra & Mahindra