Mahindra and Mahindra in talk with BAE Systems for RG-31

Mumbai, Feb 12 (UNI) Mahindra and Mahindra is in talks with the BAE Systems for joint development of a mine protected vehicle in India, based on BAE's highly successful RG-31 currently in service with the Indian Army.

Mahindra and Mahindra in a release here said 165 such vehicles, known as casspir, were supplied to the Indian Army by BAE systems in 1999.

Mahindra Defence would this year display RG-31 at the fifth Defence and Naval Exhibition, the release said.

''Mahindra Defence Systems is in the business of providing vehicle protection to defence forces,'' Mahindra Defence Systems Chief Executive Brigadier Khutub Hai said, adding, ''Our cooperation with BAE Systems, who are leaders in this field, for joint production of mine protected vehicles is a strategic fit for our vehicle armouring business.'' The all-steel, welded armour, monocoque hull of the RG-31 protects occupants from anti-tank mine detonations and is proven to have saved the lives of countless crews from mines and roadside bomb attacks. With a modular interior layout, the vehicle can be configured as an APC, command vehicle, ambulance, surveillance vehicle and for many other uses. In standard APC configuration, this air-conditioned vehicle carries a crew of eight to ten.

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