Mahindra showcases Alakran VMIMS mortar carrier at India’s Republic Day 2024 celebrations.

The Indian Army showcased the latest addition to its arsenal, a locally developed under the ‘Made in India’ initiative by Mahindra and Milanion NTGS, the Alakran Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar System (VMIMS), at the Nation’s 75th Republic Day parade in New Delhi.
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Parading at the second row of the convoy is an 81mm Alakran VMIMS integrated into Mahindra’s Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV) (Picture source: Mahindra)

Following a collaboration between Milanion NTGS and India’s Mahindra Defence, the latter has been awarded an initial contract to supply the Indian Army with an undisclosed number of units of the 81mm Alakran VMIMS, integrated into Mahindra’s Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV). The contract award to Mahindra followed a previously inked teaming agreement between the two companies to explore strategic opportunities under the ‘Made in India’ initiative to manufacture, supply and fulfil the need for the VMIMS. Delivery of the integrated systems will be made by the last quarter of 2024, considerably increasing the mobility and indirect fire capability of the vehicles to support mechanised battalions of the Indian Army.

Alakran VMIMS is an effective, combat-proven system providing mobility, accuracy, speed, and high firepower on the battlefield. It is the world’s lightest, fully digital, automated mortar system, designed from the ground up for shoot-and-scoot combat operations. A primary feature is its ability to precisely fire 8 rounds in less than two minutes from park to depart, in and out, before enemy counter-battery fire can take effect. With automatic aiming and re-aiming functions, Alakran VMIMS provides 81/120 mm mortar capabilities while transmitting all recoil force to the ground, solving the operational problems faced by standard mortar carriers.

The system is user-friendly and can easily be integrated into almost any 4x4 vehicle with a minimum 2-ton payload, adapts to all types of terrain including deserts, mud, snow, and forests, and is heliborne-capable due to its lightweight design. Its robust design and resilient technologies make it a durable weapon that has been proven to withstand the rigours of combat and remain effective.

Milanion NTGS CEO, Julio Estrella, said: "We are honoured the Indian Army is showcasing Alakran VMIMS at such a prestigious celebration for the country and look forward to further expanding on our long-term commitment to the Indian Defence sector through the ‘Made in India’ initiative.”

Defense News January 2024