Kalyani Group leader Babasaheb Kalyani (flag waving, right) signals an M4 APC in white livery for UN operations
By Vikas Gupta
Defence News of India, 11 October 22
The Indian Army is proud to be one of the major contributors to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO) around the world. They displayed exceptional bravery with one officer – Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria – earning the highest gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra, after giving his life in a pitched battle with Congolese rebels in 1961.
Yet until recently, Indian contingents used to go on international peacekeeping missions equipped with shoddy, second-hand equipment that contrasted with the gleaming weapons carried by other armies.
This is all changing as Indian vehicle and equipment suppliers have started producing state-of-the-art military kits.
On Monday, Bharat Forge Limited handed over 16 world-class Indian-made armored personnel carriers (APCs) called Kalyani M4 to the Indian Army for UNPKOs.
According to the MoD, the Kalyani M4 is a “fast-reacting (heavy) combat vehicle, manufactured locally by Bharat Forge Ltd. It is capable of carrying an infantry section (10 soldiers) in full combat gear. The Kalyani M4 has successfully completed a series of extreme vehicle tests in some of India’s harshest environments. Trials were conducted in the frigid terrains of Leh and Ladakh, and the unforgiving deserts of the Rann of Kutch.
“The Kalyani M4s are state-of-the-art APCs that provide unprecedented levels of occupant protection against high kinetic energy threats, including severe mine blasts and grenades,” said a press release from the Kalyani group.
Instead of exposing infantry troops to fire from jungles, built-up areas, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) buried in mud roads, up to 10 soldiers can travel safe from explosions. “The [Kalyani M4] vehicle can withstand three tri-nitro-toluene (TNT) charges under the wheels and a 50 kg IED blast on one side,” the press release read.
This equates to STANAG-3 rated protection for the aircrew and infantry soldiers inside, said Colonel Rajinder Bhatia (Retired), Head of Defense Affairs of the Kalyani Group.
With a combat radius of approximately 800 km, the Kalyani M4 deploys its combat power, in a minimum of time, on all types of terrain. It is fitted with modern optics and sighting equipment which provides the crew inside with full time situational awareness. The APC is powered by a 460 horsepower engine from Cummins.
“The Kalyani M4 is the best mobility platform available in the world today and variants such as ambulance and command post vehicles have been delivered to the Indian Army in the past,” said Bharat Forge. in its press release.
The army has placed an order for 45 Kalyani M4 APCs, while another 23 APCs are being handed over to Indian Army units going to the UNPKO.
“Keeping crew safety and vehicle performance as paramount factors, the Kalyani M4 has been ergonomically and aesthetically designed to allow the crew to perform their duties optimally,” said Amit Kalyani, Deputy General Manager of Bharat Forge.
