In its pursuit of defense technology self-reliance, India has reached a major milestone. The Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) and Ashok Leyland are collaborating to build an indigenous 600-horsepower engine, which is almost ready for manufacturing.
The engine, which was first conceptualized in 2021, has spent the last three years undergoing extensive ground testing. The engine is lightweight, efficient, and incorporates cutting-edge technologies, making it an ideal power source for future combat vehicles.
The trial data has yielded significant insights for further optimization. The engine’s weight reduction and improved power delivery system are currently the engineers’ main priorities.
Following these improvements, the 600 HP engine will soon take the place of the Cummins ISXe 600 diesel engine that presently powers the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP 8×8) produced by DRDO. It will also power the Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) being built by DRDO.
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This engine has more potential uses than just the FICV and WhAP. The Stryker armored vehicle’s 600 horsepower engine is also being considered by the Indian Army for its localized version. The Stryker’s current 300 HP engine is insufficient for its intended use, especially in high-altitude environments in the border regions of India.
The 600 HP engine produced locally is thought to be a viable fix for this problem. The engine’s successful development is evidence of India’s expanding defense capabilities. It not only lessens dependency on imported technology but also opens doors for homegrown businesses. The engine promises to improve the Indian Armed Forces’ fighting capability as production approaches.
