Some reports say the new HRVs are based on Ashok Leyland’s Stallion 6x6 MK IV heavy trucks. (Photo: Ashok Leyland)
New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth ₹168.09 crore with Ashok Leyland Defence Systems Limited for 54 heavy recovery vehicles (HRVs) to enhance the combat force regeneration capability of the Indian Army. The agreement was formalized on Thursday during a ceremony in the national capital.
The newly procured HRVs are expected to serve a critical function in recovering disabled, stranded, and damaged military vehicles across challenging terrains, including high-altitude regions and desert environments where Indian forces frequently operate.
According to some reports, the new HRVs are based on Ashok Leyland’s Stallion 6x6 MK IV heavy trucks. India Sentinels, however, cannot confirm this at this moment.
According to the Army, these new vehicles, which are engineered with sophisticated lifting and winching mechanisms, boasts of exceptional endurance to meet the rigorous operational demands of the force. Their robust design ensures reliability in the most extreme conditions, a crucial factor for maintaining operational tempo during critical missions.
Designed and developed indigenously, these specialized vehicles represent a significant advancement for the government’s “Make in India” initiative by prioritizing domestic innovation and manufacturing capabilities, thereby reducing dependency on foreign defence imports.
The integration of these advanced HRVs into the Army’s fleet is expected to dramatically improve recovery operations, ensuring higher mission success rates and enhanced operational readiness. This acquisition marks another important step in India’s ongoing military modernization programme, strengthening the nation’s defence preparedness and technical sovereignty.
