Tata Motors displayed at DEFEXPO 2018 two types of its new 8×8 Wheeled Amphibious Platform (WhAP). The familiar version unveiled at DEFEXPO in 2014 participated in the live demonstration, This variant has a manned turret utilizing the weapon system of the BMP-2, that mounts a single 30 mm cannon (2A42) a 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun and a missile launcher (AT-4 Spigot). A 600 hp diesel engine powers the 25-ton vehicle to a maximum road speed of 100 km/h. At sea, power is diverted to move two hydro jets that enable WhAP to sustain a speed of 10 km/h in water. Currently shown in the APC variant, WhAP will be configured in different variants including ICV, CBRN, Light Tank, Ambulance, Repair and Recovery, Command Post etc. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update.
Tata unveiled at DEFEXPO 2018 a new variant of its WhAP – equipped with the Elbit UT-30 Mk.2 remote controlled turret. This turret mounts a 30mm Bushmaster cannon and 7.62mm coaxial gun. It is fitted with separate optronics for the commander and gunner, employing ‘hunter-killer’ capability and panoramic cameras providing situational awareness to the crew. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
Another view of the UT-30 Mk.2 remote controlled turret showing the different optronic units, threat warning sensors, 7.62 coaxial machine-gun. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Def.ense-Update
This side view clearly shows the hydro jet, firing ports on the side and the rearview camera, which is part of the panoramic camera system providing situational awareness to the crew. Double floor V-Hull for mine protection, with blast-protected seats and footrests.  Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
Tata’s WhAP offers improved platform stability and ride comfort due to the use of hydro-gas suspension. The vehicle is fitted with central tire inflation system (CTIS), it also uses a winch mounted on the right side. Also seen in this image are the modular armor panels that can be replaced to upgrade protection, to tailor the vehicle for new threats. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
An internal view into the WhAP shows back-to-back seating arrangement for six soldiers. Each position is provided with an individual blast protected seat, a periscope, and firing hatch. Crew positions at the front. Soldiers can also operate outside the vehicle, using the two roof hatches. Access to the vehicle is via a ramp (the ramp lowering mechanism seen on the floor). Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
Mahindra introduced the Light Bulletproof Vehicle (LBVP), at a gross vehicle weight of 5.5 tons LBPV passenger and engine compartments are protected to STANAG level 2 (7.62×51, 7.62×39, and 5.56×45 ball ammo). Underbelly protection is also provided, (36M/DM51 grenades). The vehicle supports an overhead remotely controlled weapon station, shown here with 12.7 heavy machine gun. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
Mahindra’s LBPV uses an independent suspension, central tire inflation system and run flat tires, capable of travelling up to 100 km on damaged tires. Its high ground clearance enabling it to effectively move on the road at a speed of 110 km/h, as well as offroad, with a gradient up to 60 percent. It can ford up t half a meter of water without preparation. Seating arrangements are for a crew of two plus 4 or 6 passengers. LBPV is fitted with a forward winch for self-recovery. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update.
Ashok Leyland Defense Systems (ALDS) displayed at DEFEXPO 2018 the new Light Specialist Vehicle (LSV) developed with Lockheed Martin, based on LM’s High Mobility Vehicle or Common Vehicle Next Generation (CVNG) concept. With the LSV Ashok Leyland plans to pursue Indian Armed Forces requirements for Light Specialist Vehicle (LSV) and Light Armored Multipurpose (LAM) vehicles. The 5 ton GWV, (upgraded to eight tons), 4×4 advanced utility vehicle designed for all-terrain mobility, moving troops and equipment over rough terrain and under adverse conditions. The vehicle has an armored cab protected to STANAG Level 1. LSV is configured to carry four soldiers – two crew members and two passengers. Photo Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update.
The LSV is designed with a flatbed mounting different loads, including mission-module shelters. The vehicle is shown here carrying water tanks, and elevated air intake provided as options with the LSV. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
The LSV is fitted with 180 hp H6 engine, driving a five-speed gearbox with two-speed auxiliary gear, and independent, collapsible suspension enabling the crew to reduce the vehicle’s ground clearance to 25 cm, to meet specific travel conditions. Maximum road speed is 100 km/h, and the turning diameter is 7.4 meters. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update.
The Indian T-72 BLT Bridge Layer Tank was designed and developed by CVRDE and R&DE (Engineers). Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
The Indian T-72 BLT Bridge Layer Tank carries either a 20-metre MLC 60 scissors bridge or a 22-metre 70 MLC scissors bridge, that can span an obstacle within 10 minutes. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
Arjun Armored Recovery and Repair Vehicle (ARRV) shown on the live demonstration at DEFEXPO 2018. ARRV is equipped with a dozer blade, a winch system designed for 50 ton pull and a crane that lifts up to 20 tons. The vehicle is fitted with remotely controlled weapon station. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update.
Arjun MkII and Arjun Armored Recovery and Repair Vehicle (ARRV) shown on the live demonstration at DEFEXPO 2018. Arjun MK II has a 120mm rifled cannon, that fires anti-tank FSAPDS, high explosive (HESH), Thermobaric (TB) and gun-launched missiles. Other weapons include 12.7mm heavy machine gun and 7.62 coaxial machine gun. Powered by a 1400 hp diesel engine, automatic transmission and hydrogas suspension, Arjun Mk II can travel on road at a maximum speed of 58 km/h, and 35 km/h offroad. The tank uses the KANCHAN armor suite, an indigenous lightweight, compact protection comprising composite armor and explosive reactive armor. Laser sensors and soft kill countermeasures are also used, along with mine protection measures that include Magnetic Signal Duplicator (MSD) and Lane-Width Mine Plough (LWCS), designed to combat magnetic and pressure activated mines. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update.
The Indian Army’s urgent need for ammunition is attracting foreign suppliers such as Techmash, the primary manufacturer of ammunition for tanks and artillery. The company displayed at DEFEXPO a wide range of rounds, two of the primary types of 125mm tank guns are shown here in cutaways. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
Since IMI has been blacklisted in India for corruption charges, Elbit Systems with allowed to market some of the solutions that had interest for the Indian. Now, with Elbit cleared to acquire IMI from the Israeli Government, the company could further accelerate its offering, particularly as the IMI’s blacklisting could be removed as it is fully absorbed by Elbit Systems, that maintains a spotless record in India and abroad. Given the thirst the Indian market has for land systems of the types IMI was involved with in the past (Arjun, Pinaka, ammunition systems and more), Elbit Systems could gain a significant upside from its acquisition that has not been fully addressed before, to the speculative nature of these prospects. Among the systems displayed by Elbit Systems at DEFEXPO were the Bi-Modular Charge Systems for 155mm artillery, tank ammunition developed by IMI for the Russian 125mm tank gun and the Iron Fist active protection system currently undergoing advanced development at IMI Systems. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update.
RAFAEL unveiled at DEFEXPO 2018 a new configuration of the Trophy APS designed for the Indian Brishna (Russian T-90 tank). This design utlizes an integrated APS module combining the effectors, loaders and one sensor, with another mounted at the front of the turret. This configuration replaces stowage boxes installed on the original tank. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
RAFAEL displayed another Trophy configuration at DEFEXPO, showing a hybrid protection solution comprising passive, reactive and active protection systems, design for armored personnel carriers and armored infantry fighting vehicles such as the American M2/M3 Bradley. The US Army selected another solution for the Bradley, (provided by IMI Systems) that mounts the APS systems on the turret. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update

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