Aerospace and defence technology group Paramount and defence company Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) have launched the Simha 4x4 light armoured multipurpose vehicle.

The Simha was developed to address the rapidly evolving mobility, protection and mission requirements of armed forces in India, Africa, South Asia and other global markets.

It is best suited for a mix of urban warfare and on- and offroad reconnaissance, and combines power, agility and protection, the companies say.

Its modular architecture allows easy upgrades, customisations and modifications, which enables users to streamline and optimise their supply and maintenance, repair and overhaul lines.

The Simha has been designed as a highly adaptable, modular and mission-configurable platform.

It is a protected, highly mobile, multirole vehicle able to operate across a broad spectrum of missions, ranging from reconnaissance, internal security and border protection to special operations, command-and-control, troop transport and force protection.

“The Simha 4x4 has been built around North Atlantic Treaty Organization-qualified aggregates, and is engineered for rapid industrialisation in partner nations across the world,” says automotive and industrial company Bharat Forge vice-chairperson and joint MD Amit Kalyani.

The vehicle can be rapidly localised in industries in partner nations, which supports national defence-industrial development strategies and reducing long-term dependence on foreign supply chains.

“This versatile platform is a statement of intent, namely that India's defence industry can stand alongside the world's best and deliver uncompromising protection and tactical mobility to armed forces wherever they operate, and empowering nations to build that capability on their own soil,” he says.

Bharat Forge is the parent company of KSSL.

Further, the Paramount-KSSL partnership is growing a portfolio of jointly developed defence solutions, which highlights the value of strategic industrial cooperation in delivering next-generation military capability, the companies say.

“The Simha has been designed as a highly adaptable platform that can perform multiple missions, integrate emerging technologies and be produced locally,” says Paramount senior VP Eric Ichikowitz.

“It combines protection, mobility, modularity and affordability in a platform that can evolve alongside changing operational needs. The Simha 4x4 is a demonstration of what can be achieved when trusted defence companies combine their expertise, industrial capabilities and long-term strategic vision.”