'Aditya' to be inducted into Indian Army

Mhow (MP), Aug 1: The Indian Army will induct Mine-Proof Vehicle (MPV) 'Aditya,' developed by Andhra Pradesh-based Medak ordinance factory, in November.

The army has put its requirement of number of 'Aditya' at 1,400.

However, an order of 250 'Aditya' has been placed and will be completed by November.

The factory's Joint General Manager B P Babu said that US has also shown interest in purchasing the mine-proof vehicle.

However, the Centre has denied to provide it because of strategic reasons.

The MPV 'Aditya' was put on display during Army Chief General J J Singh's recent visit and the convention of infantry commanders here.

''As a part of a MoU signed with IMA, Israel, and with its cooperation, the factory has started producing 20 'Aditya' MPVs per month,'' Mr Babu said.

The 'Aditya', which can withstand an explosion of ten TNT, has 7.62 mmMAG remote-controlled weapons installed above the seat of the driver.

The MPV can carry twelve jawans, including two drivers, and can storm into an enemy's camp.

Besides the 7.62 mmMAG weapon, the vehicle has a facility, which enables jawans to unleash an attack.

The MPV is equipped with ultra-modern facilities that allows it to attack a target anytime.

Mr Babu added that 'Aditya' MPVs would be handed over the Northern Command first because of more frequent terrorist attack in that region.

UNI