AVNL Unveils BP Jonga 4×4 LBPV, Joins India’s Tactical Armoured Vehicle Race

In a significant development for India’s indigenous defence mobility sector, state-owned Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) has officially unveiled the BP Jonga 4×4 Light Bullet Proof Vehicle (LBPV). The new platform marks AVNL’s entry into the growing segment of light armoured tactical vehicles, currently dominated by the Mahindra ALSV “Armado” and the Tata LAMV.

Developed by Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ), a key production unit of AVNL, the BP Jonga was showcased recently at the 10th International Police Expo and also drew attention at the Mini Defence Expo in Tanzania, where AVNL exhibited its export potential with this latest offering.

A Modern Rebirth of a Legacy Platform

The BP Jonga is based on the classic Jonga 4×4 chassis, which once served the Indian military as a rugged, go-anywhere utility vehicle. AVNL’s new variant, however, has undergone a comprehensive transformation, turning it into a fully armoured platform suitable for modern battlefield and internal security roles.

The vehicle offers ballistic protection against 9mm and 7.62mm small arms fire, featuring armour plating and bullet-proof glass across all sides. It also incorporates a V-shaped hull design aimed at deflecting mine blasts and improvised explosive device (IED) shocks — a feature increasingly essential in asymmetric warfare scenarios.

Key Specifications

• Configuration: 4×4 light armoured patrol vehicle

• Protection: Bulletproof to withstand 9mm and 7.62mm rounds

• Blast Resistance: V-shaped hull for IED/mine protection

• Tyres: Equipped with run-flat capability

• Winch System: 10-tonne front-mounted winch for self-recovery

• Crew Capacity: Driver + several personnel (exact number undisclosed)

• Applications: Reconnaissance, convoy escort, VIP protection, internal security

AVNL officials indicated that the vehicle has been designed to support low-intensity conflict operations, border patrols, and quick reaction tasks — aligning it with the needs of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and state police units.

Designed for Affordability and Export

What sets the BP Jonga 4×4 apart is its cost-effective design, which leverages existing manufacturing infrastructure at Jabalpur while offering operational features found in more expensive imports. The vehicle is expected to cater not just to Indian paramilitary units, but also to international buyers looking for affordable and rugged tactical vehicles.

During the Mini Defence Expo in Tanzania, AVNL received encouraging responses from African defence delegations, reinforcing the company’s intention to expand its export footprint.

Mixed Reactions on Design

Despite its tactical features, the BP Jonga has sparked mixed reactions online. Some social media users and defence analysts have questioned its aesthetic, describing the design as “dated” and “stuck in the 1950s.” However, AVNL insiders defended the vehicle’s utilitarian look, stating that it was engineered for function, survivability, and ease of mass production — not style.

A Competitive Space

With Mahindra Defence already fielding the ALSV “Armado” and Tata Advanced Systems offering the LAMV with higher payload and modular options, the tactical armoured vehicle market in India is quickly becoming competitive. AVNL’s BP Jonga, however, is expected to appeal to customers looking for a simpler, battlefield-proven platform with a lower acquisition cost and local support ecosystem.

While the vehicle has been displayed to select audiences, AVNL is likely to pitch the BP Jonga for trials with India’s security forces in the coming months. If successful, this could open the doors for larger-scale production and formal induction.

AVNL’s foray into light armoured tactical vehicles with the BP Jonga represents both a revival of legacy and a step forward in Atmanirbhar Bharat’s defence goals. As the demand for versatile, homegrown solutions continues to rise, the race for India’s next standard light tactical vehicle has just become more interesting.