The government has decided to acquire high safety mine-protected vehicles for the safety of paramilitary troops in India and especially J&K and other Naxalism-hit areas. Also, remotely operated vehicles will be soon obtained for helping the anti-terror commando force NSG in encounter sites. According to an official of Home Ministry, Rs 613.96 crore has been sanctioned to paramilitary forces like CRPF and BSF for purchasing additional mine-protected vehicles, bullet-proof jackets, ambulance, etc. Also Rs 16.84 crore has been issued to the National Security Guard (NSG) for purchasing seven remotely operated vehicles.
CRPF is already using the mine-protected vehicles (MPVs) for troop movements but only about six personnel can travel in one such four-wheeled vehicle. By the addition of more MPVs, capabilities of the paramilitary forces countering the improvised explosives devices (IEDs) in such areas will be enhanced.
The vehicle that will be added will be high safety vehicles some of them are imported and some are made in India. The Renault Sherpa will have been imported and the Ford Endeavours are being customised in a Faridabad based company. The vehicles are equipped with all the features and are tuned up to take on any challange with run flat tyres, air conditioning system, 4×4 and many other features which can not be disclosed due to security reasons.
The NSG has already acquired the Renault Sherpa Light Armoured personnel carrier which is highly mobile in war zones with a 4.76 litre, 4-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine. The 4×4 vehicle with a payload of 2.2 tons can carry 10 personnel in it. Though the vehicle weighs 11 tons, it still has the top speed of 110 kmph. It can cover 1,000 km with a tank full.
There has been an increase in the IED explosions by militant troops and also such incidents cause a large number of casualties to both civilians and paramilitary personnel in Naxalism-affected areas and in J&K. So to offer a safe and protected movement of the Army and paramilitary forces, such a decision has been taken.
