Indian Army Combat Vehicles

The prestigious Indian Army has been given the responsibility of guarding our country from any external and internal terrors. Its power and strength is reflected by the combat vehicles it possesses.

The combat vehicles are broadly divided into the following categories:

Main Battle Tanks (MBT): As the name suggests, these tanks are used during the battles for close range targets. Due to their tread design, these vehicles can move on any terrain and can climb on any obstacle. These are provided with a main tank gun and at least one machine gun. The main gun is usually of caliber between 90mm to 130mm. The crew of the MBT is selected and trained as they must perform their task faultlessly. Some MBT tanks presently in the Indian Army are: Arjun MBT, T-90S Bhisma , T-90M, T-72 Ajeya. The main battle tanks add a positive morale to the infantry and cause fear to the enemies.
Infantry Fighting Vehicles: These are also known as Mechanized infantry Combat Vehicles. They are armored fighting vehicles who are also assigned the task to carry the infantry into the battle and also to provide fire support. They are defined as “an armored combat vehicle which is designed and equipped primarily to transport a combat infantry squad, which is armed with an integral or organic cannon of at least 20 millimeters caliber and sometimes an antitank missile launcher.” Some IFV tanks presently in the Indian Army are: BMP-1 and BMP-2 “Sarath”. The IFV’s are used mostly during local crises and urban combat as they provide mobility, firepower and protection. However, they can be used during high and low intensity combat and are very useful during the peacekeeping operations.
Armored Personnel Carriers: An APC is used to carry the infantry to the battlefield. It is different from the IFV’s as IFV’s take part in the battle along with carrying the infantry to the battlefield, but the APC’s are used only to carry the infantry to the battlefield. However, the APCs are mostly provided with small caliber machine guns for protection. APCs are much lighter and less armored than IFVs. Some APCs presently in the Indian Army are: FV432, BTR 50, BTR 152, BTR 60, BTR 80, OT64 SKOT and OT64 TOPAS. An APC will have at least one crewman, the driver, with as many as three, a gunner and commander.
Reconnaissance vehicle: Also known as scout vehicles, they are used for exploring the areas under the enemy to gain vital information about the enemies. The information provided is very useful as it helps in future operations. They are provided with small caliber weapons to reduce the vehicles noise and to lower its profile. Their tasks can include firing towards the enemy, in hopes of getting a return fire to expose the enemy’s position. Some Reconnaissance vehicles presently serving in the Indian Army are: BRDM-2, Ferret, and NBC Reconnaissance vehicle. Among them, the NBC Reconnaissance vehicle is of CBRN type, meaning that it can detect weapons of mass destruction.

Other types include:

Tank destroyer: For example- Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA)
Mortar carrier: For example-Carrier Mortar Tracked (CMT).
Armored ambulance: For example- DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) Armored ambulance.
Battle surveillance system: For example- PRP-3. (PRP stands for podvizhnoy razvedyvatel’niy punkt – mobile reconnaissance post)
Armored Vehicle: For example- Mahindra Rakshak.

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