Growing up, some of us have dreamt of joining the Indian Armed Forces for a number of reasons. For some, it was the gallantry, the disciplined lifestyle, the notions of patriotism, and self-sacrifice. In essence, it was the life of a hero that the army, the air force and the navy offered to us that drew us. For some of us though, it was certainly the tools and 'toys' that defence personnel get to work with, that caught our fancy.

When it comes to the armoured vehicles that our armed forces use, man oh man, are they something to look at! Rugged, tough and capable of treading across any terrain, these vehicles make the toughest SUVs on the market that we plebs can buy, look like Lego toys. In essence, there is no mountain high enough nor a ford deep enough that would pose a challenge for these vehicles.


Here are 6 of the finest armoured vehicles that are in use across all branches of the Indian Armed Forces that send shivers down the spines of our enemies, and makes every one of us hold our heads high with pride.

TATA Merlin LSV


Ever since Tata won the contract for supplying some speciality vehicles for the Indian Army, they have been churning out some of the best armoured vehicles in the world. The Merlin, one of their finest creations, is an LSV or a Light Support Vehicle. It has been made as per the specifications used by NATO forces and boasts a protection level of STANAG 4569 Level-1, the highest grade for a vehicle of this size. Apart from carrying armed personnel and supplies, the standard Merlin comes equipped with a machine gun, and a grenade launcher, mounted on its roof. Furthermore, depending on the area where it is deployed, Tata can customise these fittings and create one heck of a beast.

Shri Lakshmi Defence Solutions Viper


Shir Lakshmi Defence Solutions is a relatively new defence supplier but some of the equipment that they have developed and supplied over the years, has made them a force to be reckoned with. Their high offence tactile vehicle, the Viper is one its kind as far as India is concerned. Apart from being bullet-proof, the Viper is also impervious to grenades, landmines, and small IED blasts. Furthermore, it is designed to attack ferociously when being attacked meaning, if it is properly fitted with all the bells and whistles that it can carry, not only will it protect the 6 people operating it, it can also knock the teeth off attacking enemies.

Mahindra Marksman


Developed by Mahindra Defence Systems after the 26/11 attacks, the Marksman was specifically designed for areas where there isn't a lot of space, and where manoeuvrability is key. The Marksman has proven its mettle in areas of conflict including Jammu & Kashmir. While the vehicle is not as impervious to attacks like the previous two, it will do just fine against heavy bullet fire, and grenades. One of the few vehicles with our armed forces that have run-flat tech in its tyre. Just to put that in perspective, consider this - no matter what the condition, and whether they have a road or not, this beast can be driven flat out at its top speed of 120 kmph, everywhere, even with a flat tyre.

Mahindra Armoured MEVA Straton Plus


The Straton Plus is basically an armoured personnel carrier that is offered in two variants, both of which are equally capable of pretty much everything that can come up in conflicted areas, that has not turned into a warzone. The Stratons are designed to withstand heavy gunfire for a long time, while allowing the 12 personnel riding inside the vehicle, to return fire, without compromising their safety. Furthermore, troops can mount a heavy machine gun, or a grenade launcher on the roof and rain hell, should things ever turn sour. Honestly, you have to be mental if you think that anyone would dare to take on this beast.

Renault Sherpa


The Renault Sherpa isn't designed to withstand gunfire for a long period, and neither has it been designed to withstand landmines. Instead, it is more of reconnaissance and patrolling vehicle. Which means that it has been bequeathed with speed and power. Whatever the condition is, whether they have anything that remotely resembles a road or not, the Sherpa can hit a top speed of 110 kmph, anywhere. Moreover, it can carry 4-5 people, along with 11 tonnes of supply. That's not it though. The Sherpa has a fuel tank with a capacity of 1,000 litres. Your typical SUV has a fuel tank that's barely 1/10th the capacity, and that too if they have been generous with the size.

Mahindra MPV


Yet another armoured vehicle from the workshops at Mahindra. The MPV stands for Mine Protected Vehicle. This vehicle is impervious to the worst kinds of land mines, grenade attacks, and of course, the heaviest of gunfire. The MPV was designed to be used in counter-insurgency operations, and anti-Naxal operations. It is a proper 6X6 meaning that at the engine powers all the six wheels at all times. It protects its 18 occupants from about 14 kilograms of TNT when detonated right below the crew compartment. Plus, it can be equipped with a remote weapon system to deal with nearby threats.

Now imagine someone thinking of jacking these vehicles. Seriously, how idiotic do you have to be to even think of something like that.