Indian Army to Procure 3,000 Automated Vehicle-Mounted Mortar Systems to Enhance Rapid-Response Firepower

 In a significant stride towards modernizing its artillery capabilities, the Indian Army is set to procure approximately 3,000 automated Vehicle-Mounted Infantry Mortar Systems (VMIMS). This acquisition aims to bolster rapid-response firepower and enhance operational agility across diverse terrains.

The VMIMS, developed by Mahindra Defence Systems Limited (MDSL), integrates the Alakran-L automated mortar system with a 4×4 Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV). This combination allows for swift deployment and repositioning, crucial for effective counter-battery operations and minimizing exposure to enemy fire.

Key features of the VMIMS include:

• 81 mm Mortar System: Capable of delivering precise fire support with a range of up to 7.2 km.

• High Mobility: The 4×4 ALSV ensures rapid movement across various terrains, enhancing operational flexibility.

• Automated Firing Mechanism: Reduces crew requirements and increases firing rate, contributing to quicker response times.

The Indian Army's decision to deploy these systems, particularly along sensitive borders such as the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Sikkim, underscores the strategic importance of enhancing artillery capabilities in border areas. The VMIMS's ability to provide immediate and potent fire support is expected to significantly improve the Army's operational readiness.

This move aligns with the Indian Army's broader modernization efforts, including the Field Artillery Rationalization Plan (FARP), which seeks to induct approximately 3,000 modern artillery systems by 2030. The integration of VMIMS into this plan reflects a commitment to indigenization and technological advancement in defense capabilities.

The procurement of these automated mortar systems marks a pivotal development in the Indian Army's artillery modernization, aiming to enhance rapid-response firepower and maintain strategic superiority in critical regions.