Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra, has started deliveries of the Armado to the Indian armed forces. The Armado is an Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV), designed and developed by Mahindra. 

1. Mahindra Armado has a 215hp, 500Nm, 3.2-litre turbo-diesel
2. It can be used in counter-terrorist operations
3. The Armado can be configured for LHD or RHD

Mahindra Defence Systems Armado: what is it?

The Armado is designed to be a modular type vehicle that can be upgraded or configured to suit a wide variety of operational roles, according to MDS. The Armado offers ballistic protection up to B7, Stanag Level II. 

According to MDS, the Armado can be used in counter-terrorist operations such as patrolling high-intensity areas, special forces operations and quick reaction teams. Other uses cases for the ALSV includes being a weapon carrier, a reconnaissance vehicle, a border security vehicle as well as being used in raids in open or desert terrains.

Mahindra Defence System Armado powertrain, platform

Under the hood, the Armado gets a 3.2-litre, turbocharged, direct-injection diesel engine that can also run on NATO-grade diesel. The engine produces 215hp and 500Nm of torque and power is delivered to all four wheels via a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The Armado has a claimed top speed of over 120kph and a 0-60kph time of 12 seconds, and has a payload capacity of 1,000kg. 

Mahindra Defence System Armado interior, features

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The Armado has a seating capacity of six passengers, including the driver, and can be configured to seat up to eight. It also gets a public address (PA) system, GPS, automatic grenade launcher, electric winch, HF/UHF/VHF radio as well as a self-cleaning-type exhaust scavenging and air filtration system for extremely dusty climates.

What do you think of the Mahindra Armado armoured vehicle? Let us know in the comments.