L&T and BAE Systems Kick Off Production of BvS10 ‘Sindhu’ AATVs for the Indian Army

Production launch

On 28 October 2026, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and BAE Systems held a ceremony at L&T’s Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira, Gujarat, to mark the formal start of manufacturing the BvS10 ‘Sindhu’ articulated all‑terrain vehicle (AATV) for the Indian Army.

First batch and delivery schedule

• Initial order: 18 vehicles, placed by the Indian Army in November 2025.
• Delivery window: First deliveries are scheduled to begin in March 2027.
• Manufacturing: L&T builds the vehicles under licence, with technical and design support from BAE Systems Hägglunds, the original BvS10 producer.

Intended operational use

The Army plans to employ the Sindhu AATVs along its northern and western frontiers with China and Pakistan. The vehicles are rated for operation at altitudes up to 18,000 ft (≈5,500 m), making them suitable for high‑altitude terrain.

Variant mix – not yet disclosed

The exact mix of variants in the initial order has not been made public. The broader BvS10 family can be configured for:

• Troop transport
• Command‑and‑control
• Ambulance and medical evacuation
• Logistics and supply
• Repair, recovery and fire‑support roles

Official comments

Arun Ramchandani, senior vice‑president and head of precision engineering at L&T, told reporters:

“I am sure the vehicle will be inducted in large numbers beyond this initial contract.” “The Indian Army has indicated that this vehicle can be inducted in various roles and quantities. The army has not spelt out the exact numbers, but we see that as it gets inducted the vehicle will be deployed in much larger numbers going forward.”

He also noted that L&T’s Armoured Systems Complex has been upgraded with automated processes to support higher‑rate production.

Practical implications

• Enhanced mobility: The Sindhu AATV adds a high‑mobility platform capable of traversing rugged, high‑altitude terrain, potentially improving rapid response on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the western border.
• Indigenous capability: Licensing the design allows India to develop domestic expertise while relying on BAE Systems for critical technology transfer.
• Verification: Interested parties can confirm the production status through official press releases from L&T and BAE Systems, as well as future procurement updates from the Ministry of Defence.

Outlook

While the first 18 vehicles are a modest start, both companies expect the programme to scale up, reflecting the Army’s broader intent to field the Sindhu across multiple roles.

--- *All statements are attributed to the companies and the Indian Army; no independent verification of future procurement volumes is available at this time.*