New Delhi: Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS), the country’s leading provider of high mobility and light bullet proof vehicles to the armed forces, paramilitary and police forces and a division of the USD 6 billion Mahindra Group, generated excitement and interest at the 5^th International Land & Naval Systems Exhibition, Defexpo 08, which concluded today.

MDS announced that it is in an advanced stage of discussions for a strategic alliance with Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei (WASS), the maritime underwater systems subsidiary of the USD 20 billion Finmeccanica Group of Italy. MDS showcased an array of six of its armoured military vehicles at the Defexpo.

'I am very pleased at the tremendous response that all our displayed vehicles drew from the visitors. This reiterates our competency in Land and Naval Systems, Military Communications and System Integration. MDS is the country’s leading provider of up-armoured and bullet proof vehicles with more than 500 Rakshaks and up-armoured Scorpios in service in the Indian Army and security/police forces. These vehicles have proved themselves repeatedly in operations and have developed a formidable reputation by saving the lives of our armed forces personnel,' said Brigadier Khutub Hai, Chief Executive of Mahindra Defence Systems.

Vehicle Exhibits on Display at DefExpo 08

Mahindra Axe – The Mahindra Axe Fast Attack Vehicle (FAV) is a lightweight, high mobility, high payload combat vehicle, designed for use by special forces and for varied operational requirements. The Axe is available with both diesel and petrol engines and has automatic transmission and independent suspension, giving it outstanding high mobility capability.

Marksman – The Marksman is India’s first armoured capsule based light bulletproof vehicle and is designed to provide protection to Defence personnel, Para Military and Police forces against small arms fire and under belly grenade attacks. It can also be used in counter terrorist activities as well as in more conventional roles such as armed reconaissance and convoy protection.

Mahindra Striker – A new generation general purpose light military vehicle. This high performance vehicle has great versatility in employment.

Up Armoured Scorpio – This ‘discreetly protected’ Scorpio is ideal for VIP protection as it offers both security and comfort. The Up-Armoured Scorpio is already being used by the Indian Armed Forces and other Security Forces of India as well as by foreign countries for VIP protection.

Mine Protected Vehicle – Designed for operational use by troop / police deployments in insurgent areas, the Mine Protected Vehicle is built to protect personnel against small arms and mines / IEDs.

Cash in Transit Van – A modern, high security custom made van, the Cash in Transit Van is used for transportation of high value assets, particularly cash. The high security built into these vans reduces risk in transit, while incorporation of GPS allows monitoring and control of the vehicle.

MDS - Land Systems

MDS is in the advanced stages of setting up a Mahindra Special Military Vehicles (MSMV) facility at Faridabad. This facility will have modern facilities for R&D, prototype fabrication and system integration of vehicles for military use. This is the first such facility in India in the private sector.

About Mahindra Defence Systems

Mahindra Defence Systems is a division of the US$ 6 billion group Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, the eighth largest group in India. MDS is today the country’s leading provider of high mobility and light bullet proof vehicles to the armed forces, paramilitary and police forces. There are in excess of 500 Rakshaks and up-armoured Scorpios in service in the Indian Army and security/police forces in India and abroad.

Please visit www.mdsarmouredvehicles.com for more information on the products.