The BMP-series has seen action across the world for the past 30-plus years. So, there are well-planned supply chains, operating procedures, and training centres in place. The Kestrel is yet to feel the heat of battle.
 
Huge savings

The Tata Kestrel is backed by Tata’s experience in the automotive industry. The Cummins turbocharged diesel engine under the hood is a commercially available one, which means getting spares and replacements will be easy. The suspension system is one used in off-roaders – and should be made in-house, further reducing costs and dependency on foreign suppliers. The turret currently used on the Kestrel is from a BMP – signalling that older BMPs may be cannibalised for parts, saving even more per unit. The Kestrel is a wheeled platform, and unlike main battle tanks, doesn’t need to be ferried to the front line. This is another huge saving in cost and time.

Since 2009, Tata Motors has been involved in the design and sales of support vehicles for the armed forces. It has sold more than 150,000 vehicles globally. Out of all Tata production units, the Kestrel is most likely to be tested at the Pune facility, and manufactured at Jamshedpur. Incidentally, Tata’s Mine Protected Vehicle is built at the Pune unit. But manufactured in Jamshedpur, because the development of armour would require close coordination with Tata’s steel arm.

The Kestrel’s sensors and navigation equipment would most likely come from a tie-up between DRDO and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). TASL has signed MoUs with original equipment manufacturers like Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, Boeing, and General Electric, among others. Tata Advanced Materials Limited (TAML), is also actively working with the DRDO to develop missile components, composite armour, shielding for hypersonic vehicles, and more, and should be in charge of developing explosive reactive armour for the WhAp.

In 2017, Vernon Noronha, vice-president of defence and government business at Tata Motors had revealed big ambitions for Tata Motors’ foray in the defence market.

Another big project on the Indian Army’s radar is the Future Infantry Combat Vehicle project. The contract details the induction of 2,600 tracked infantry vehicles and is valued at Rs60,000 crore. Larsen and Toubro (L&T) is also gunning for the deal, fresh off the back of successful projects like the K-9 Vajra artillery system. As part of the original deal, 80 per cent was to be paid by the government, and 20 by the private supplier. However, according to a news report, a private supplier offered to pay for the full development, which, technically is possible under the Defence Procurement Policy. Now, the entire project is under review.

Will the Kestrel take flight? Or will it be weighed down by the intricacies of the Defence Procurement Policy?