Hi-tech vehicles to help forces combat terror

New Delhi: In a bid to ramp up its operations against terrorism and Naxals in the country, the paramilitary forces will soon procure medium bulletproof vehicles (MBPV). Paramilitary forces are likely to procure these vehicles by the end of the year, sources said. The trials of the vehicle are at an advanced stage. Recently, a delegation of parliamentary forces went to Leh-Ladakh to monitor the trials of these vehicles.

The MBPV is a 4×4-wheel right-hand drive, heavy-duty all-weather and off-road mobility vehicle, specially designed for easy manoeuvrability, operability and maintainability.

This advanced blast-protected and bulletproof vehicle shields security personnel from small-arms fire, hand grenades and fragment-simulated projectiles. With survivability as the major objective, the MBPV 4×4 has a carrying capacity of 10 plus 2 persons. The vehicle will be used by the security forces for its counter-insurgency operations in hostile environment.

Addition of these vehicles will give the forces an upper hand as lately terrorists have been targeting the convoys of security forces in Kashmir, the Northeast and Naxal-affected areas. With these vehicles, Central paramilitary forces personnel can safely reach the operation sites and camps.

According to sources, these vehicles will be equipped with a 360° CCTV camera and will be fully air-conditioned. The vehicles will have an in-built fire-cover system (morcha) for mounting heavy weapons. Around 10 to 12 security personnel can sit in these vehicles. Equipped with night vision and thermal vision facilities, the vehicles will also be effective in conducting night operations. Also, these will have in-built GPS and wireless communication systems.

Sources said that a tender for the procurement of these vehicles have been floated and two major manufacturers have been shortlisted in line with the “Make in India” initiative.

Once the trials have been be concluded, the contract will be given to the suitable manufacturer.

Meanwhile, sources said that numbers of the vehicles for each parliamentary force will be as per their demand.