On January 6, the United States approved proposals allowing India to become the first foreign manufacturer of the Stryker armoured fighting vehicle (AFV). This decision marks a significant milestone in US-India defense cooperation claim latest reports.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated that this initiative is part of broader defense collaboration, encompassing advanced munitions and maritime technologies. It aligns with the Critical and Emerging Technologies initiative, aiming to bolster joint development, diversify supply chains, and enhance regional defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
India and the US have been engaged in discussions for several months regarding the joint production of Stryker AFVs. The Indian Defence Ministry is considering the purchase of 530 units to equip ten mechanised infantry battalions.
The plan involves a phased deployment strategy, starting with the procurement of off-the-shelf units through the US Foreign Military Sales program. This would be followed by co-production in India and, eventually, joint development of various Stryker variants, including the M-SHORAD (Mobile Short-Range Air Defense) system.
Stryker vehicles are renowned for their capability to transport 8-9 soldiers and are equipped with a rocket launcher, a light machine gun (LMG), Javelin anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), and a short-range air defense system (SHORAD).
Planned trials for the Stryker will take place in diverse environments, including high-altitude regions like eastern Ladakh and Sikkim, as well as desert terrains. These trials will focus on assessing the platform’s mobility, protection, and lethality. Imported units will undergo local adaptations to meet the unique demands of India’s varied terrain. These trials are crucial for determining whether the Stryker can fulfill India’s operational requirements, particularly in mountainous regions.
However, a notable limitation of the Stryker is its lack of amphibious capability, which contrasts with some of the Indian Army’s operational needs. Despite this, the collaboration signifies a strengthening of US-India defense ties and a step towards greater self-reliance in India’s defense production.
