Bharat Forge Ltd of the Kalyani Group handed over 16 M4 Rapid Response Fighting Vehicles to the Indian Army on 11 October 2022 for use by its deployed UN peacekeeping force.
The M4 is a licensed-build version of the South African Paramount Group’s M4 Mbumba, selected after extensive Army trials. An emergency procurement contract of 17.795 billion rupees ($23.6 million) was awarded. The M4 emphasizes ballistic and mine/explosive protection for troop transport, although command and ambulances are also possible.
Mr. Amit Kalyani, Deputy General Manager of Bharat Forge Ltd. explained: “With crew safety and vehicle performance as the most important factors, the Kalyani M4 is ergonomically and aesthetically designed to enable the crew to perform their duties in the best possible way.”
It has a total weight of 16 tons and has a monocoque hull that is resistant to 7.62mm armor-piercing fire at a range of 30m and 14.5mm AP at a range of 200m. It is also resistant to a 10kg blast under any wheel or a 50kg blast next to it. Run Flat tires and central tire inflation (CTI) allow for maneuverability in the event of a combat puncture. Power is provided by a turbocharged six-cylinder 347 kW/465 hp diesel engine linked to an automatic transmission.
The M4 has a payload of 2.3 tonnes and can accommodate eight boarding soldiers exiting via a powered rear ramp. Troop compartments are equipped with bulletproof field of view blocks and muzzles, allowing soldiers to understand the outside world to some extent. The interior is fully climate controlled by a 16kW air conditioner and chemically protected by HEPA filtered air.
As first shown at DEFEXPO 2020, it has a .50 caliber heavy machine gun mounted on the roof, accessible through a hatch.
The primary function of the Indian Army’s use of the Kalyani M4 is to provide a well-protected means of operating in unsafe or hostile areas to reduce the risk of casualties. They can also perform patrols and provide troop presence while reducing soldier exposure. It’s unclear if the Army intends to buy more M4s, or if such deployments will be limited to meeting specific needs on its UN continent.
Stephen W. Miller
