📷 Image Credits: The Times of India
India and the United States are currently in advanced discussions regarding the joint manufacture of the latest generation of Stryker armoured infantry combat vehicles (ICVs). This initiative is part of a broader defense-industrial cooperation roadmap. The US has offered to demonstrate the mobility and firepower of the Stryker in high-altitude areas in India, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral defense partnership. The Indian defense ministry is evaluating a three-phase plan for the proposed project as reported by The Times of India. The project will involve a limited off-the-shelf purchase of Strykers under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program initially. This will be followed by joint production in India and potentially the co-development of futuristic versions of the vehicle. The project’s success hinges on the Stryker meeting the operational requirements of the Indian Army’s mechanized infantry battalions and a high level of indigenization, including the transfer of critical technologies to the Indian co-production partner, which could be a defense Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) or a private firm. The Indian Army’s substantial need for advanced wheeled and tracked ICVs to replace its existing fleet of Russian-origin BMP-II vehicles in the future highlights the significance of this potential collaboration. The US, with a track record of successful defense deals with India amounting to around $22 billion since 2007, sees the joint production of Strykers as another milestone in the growing defense partnership with India. The Stryker vehicles, known for their mobility, protection, and firepower, are a result of joint development efforts by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada and General Dynamics Land Systems Division in the US. These vehicles have been operational since 2001 and have been deployed in various configurations by the US Army. The collaboration on Strykers is expected to not only enhance India’s defense capabilities but also boost the country’s defense manufacturing sector under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The transfer of technology from the US could enable India to develop domestically manufactured armored fighting vehicles incorporating Stryker technology for its military. Overall, this potential deal signifies a significant step towards fostering greater self-reliance and defense cooperation between India and the US.
