The Kalyani M4 is a high-mobility Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle produced by Kalyani Group's Bharat Forge. It is a Kalyani-Paramount partnership developed variant of the Mbombe 4 built by South Africa's Paramount Group.https://www.mobilityoutlook.com/features/kalyani-group-forays-into-armoured-vehicles-with-m4/
History After conducting extensive trials in Ladakh in August 2020, the Indian Army placed orders for these vehicles under an emergency procurement amidst China-India Border Standoff in a contract worth in 2021. The trials also included the Maverick APC and the Werewolf MRAP.https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/idex-2021-paramount-agrees-indian-production-mbomb/
In February 2021, an agreement was made between Paramount Group and Kalyani to manufacture the M4 in India.
In April 2023, Kalyani M4s were deployed by Indian peacekeepers in Abyei, Sudan.https://www.military.africa/2023/04/indian-peacekeepers-deploy-kalyani-m4-armoured-vehicles-to-abyei-sudan/
Design
The Kalyani M4 is designed predominantly as an extraction and occupant protection vehicle. Its design offers high speed and quick manoeuvrability. It has a maximum payload of 2.3 tonnes and can carry up to 8 people. With all the armour, the M4 weighs around 16,000 kg. It has a 43-degree approach and 44-degrees departure angle with a water wading depth of 900 mm to operate it in tough terrain or fording rivers.
The Kalyani M4 uses a turbocharged 6-pot diesel motor which is rated to deliver 465 hp and a 1627 Nm of torque. It uses a CVT automatic transmission. It also features a low-range gearbox to work with the 4×4 system to scale difficult steep inclines. The M4 has top speed of 140 km/h and has a range of 800 km.
It can withstand three 10 kg TNT charges under the wheels and 50 kg IED side blasts.
Operators Indian Army – 126 with 100 more on order.
See also Ashok Leyland Light Bullet Proof Vehicles(LBPV) Mahindra Axe Mahindra Armored Light Specialist Vehicle Mahindra Marksman TATA Kestrel
References