Final deliveries of VMIMS to Indian Army scheduled for end of 2024

The VMIMS (seen here at DefExpo in October 2022) consists of a modified MDSL ALSV 4×4 armoured vehicle fitted with a two-door cab and an Alakran-L deployable mortar system equipped with an 81 mm mortar. (Janes/Kapil Kajal)

Milanion NTGS, the UK manufacturer of the Alakran deployable mortar system, has said deliveries of the Indian Army's Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar System (VMIMS) are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.

The announcement coincided with the Indian Army's first public display of the system at the 75th Republic Day parade held in New Delhi on 26 January.

The VMIMS comprises the Alakran-L automated, deployable mortar system fitted with an 81 mm barrel mounted onto the rear of a 4×4 Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV) built by Indian firm Mahindra Defence Systems Limited (MDSL). In Indian service, the ALSV is known as ‘Armado'.

It is not clear when deliveries of the VMIMS started. However, Colonel Manish Kumar (retd), head of sales and marketing of land systems at MDSL, told Janes at the DefExpo exhibition held in October 2022 that deliveries would commence in 2023.

This target was apparently met. The VMIMS was observed among other vehicles known to be in service with the Indian Army in an image posted to social media platforms in November 2023.

Aligned with New Delhi's ‘Make in India' initiative, the VMIMS is being delivered under a contract awarded to MDSL. The mortar system is being manufactured and integrated onto the Armado at MDSL's facilities in New Delhi.

However, the total number of VMIMS to be delivered to the Indian Army has not been disclosed.

Milanion NTGS told Janes