Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Aiming to bolster protected mobility in difficult and hilly terrains for soldiers, the Indian Army has started the process to procure 159 bullet-proof troop carriers (BPTCs) for Rashtriya Rifles battalions, sector and force headquarters in J&K and Ladakh.The Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) with a view to identifying Indian vendors who are capable to undertake the project and deliver BPTCs, with a minimum delivery of 60 units per year post-contract.The Rashtriya Rifles (RR), which handles counter-insurgency operations in J&K, currently relies on old vehicles for transportation. The BPTCs will be employed by RR personnel for movement and transportation of troops for both administrative as well as operational tasks.Hence, the proposed BPTC must possess adequate mobility and provide protection for troops on board, the RFI said. In addition, it should be able to carry limited battleloads to include weapons, ammunition and communication equipment.The proposed BPTC must hit 80-100 kmph on roads and 50-75 kmph off-road, with a 350-km range on plains and 300-km in mountains.Such vehicles should be able to operate up to 5,000 m altitude, including in snow-bound areas in J&K and Ladakh and in temperatures from -10°C to +40°C.It should be able to provide limited firing capability by using firing pods and use of machine guns mounted on the hatch of vehicles, the RFI said. The Army wants to procure these carriers in sync with ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
