Analysis of Mahindra Mine Protected Vehicle MPVi in India

The Mahindra Mine Protected Vehicle-I (MPV-I), is an Indian armored personnel carrier manufactured by Defense Land Systems, a joint-venture of Mahindra & Mahindra Limited and BAE Systems. It is an improved Casspir variant built under licence.

The MPV debuted in 2010, with the design aimed at protection of Indian security forces conducting anti-terrorism and anti-Naxalite operations in India’s rugged forested and hilly terrains. It is powered by a ruggedized 230 HP diesel engine, paired with a 6×6 transmission.

The MPV offers armored protection to its crew and passengers against ballistic and land mine threats. It uses a V-shaped hull of steel and monocoque construction to direct the force of the blast away from the occupants. It has been tested to protect against 7.62×51mm NATO, 7.62×39mm Soviet and 5.56×45mm NATO rounds from a 10m distance. It can withstand 21 kg of TNT equivalent explosions directly under any wheel, and 14 kg of TNT equivalent explosions directly under the crew compartment.

It can carry up to 18 security and paramilitary personnel with full equipment including the crew.