M&M arm,BAE may build mine-protected vehicles

Mahindra Defence Systems and BAE Systems are in talks to jointly develop an Indian mine-protected vehicle based on BAE Systems' highly successful RG-31 mine-protected vehicle.

According to a release issued by Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) to the BSE today, BAE Systems has already supplied 165 mine-protected vehicles, known as Casspir, to the Indian army since 1999.

"A BAE Systems RG-31 will be on display at the Mahindra Defence stand at the 5th Defence and Naval Exhibition (DEFEXPO)," the release added.

"Mahindra Defence Systems is in the business of providing vehicle protection to defence forces," said Brigadier Khutub Hai, chief executive, Mahindra Defence Systems. "Our co-operation with BAE Systems, who are the leaders in this field for joint production of mine-protected vehicles, is a strategic fit for our vehicle armouring business."