Ashok Leyland selects US firm to develop defence systems

CHENNAI: Ashok Leyland Defence Systems (ALDS), a division of Hinduja Group flagship company Ashok Leyland, today said it has selected US-based Lockheed Martin to develop light specialist vehicle and light armoured multi-purpose defence vehicles for armed forces.

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"Lockheed Martin's High Mobility Vehicle or Common Vehicle Next Generation (CVNG) will provide the base platform for this development effort," the city-based firm said in a statement.

Ashok Leyland would serve as the prime contractor and provide "high quality", "cost effective" manufacturing hub for global requirements of the vehicles, it said.

As a licensed manufacturer of CVNG, the association with Lockheed Martin opens up a huge opportunity towards exports of vehicle platform as a Made in India product, it added.

"As the largest provider of logistics vehicles to Indian Army, Ashok Leyland has a strong portfolio in the defense sector. We are buoyant about the defense segment and expect our play to increase manifold," Ashok Leyland Managing Director, Vinod K Dasari said.

"Our CVNG is a proven and versatile multi-terrain vehicle currently in service around the world. We are excited about the opportunities that exist to offer the CVNG to India and beyond," Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Vice-President Ground Vehicles, Scott Greene said.