Indo-US Cooperation on Stryker Combat Vehicle By Lt Gen N B Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM - former DGEME, DGIS

 He writes on technology related operational subjects, space and green energy initiatives. Background In yet another example of the growing Indo US cooperation in diverse sectors, US and India agreed to jointly manufacture the Stryker Infantry Carrier vehicle in India. Designed as an interim armoured vehicle for rapid deployment in a variety of operational scenarios it was intended to fill the capability gap between heavier infantry combat vehicles like Bradley and the lighter Humvees. A no of variants has been developed. These are the ICV, reconnaissance vehicle, mobile gun system, mortar carrier, fire support vehicle, engineer squad vehicle, command post, NBC recce, medical evacuation and ATGM vehicle. Based on capability gap assessment carried out during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, several engineering change programmes have been initiated to enhance mission effectiveness and survivability of the platform. Stryker is also being modified into a short-range air defence variant in response to a capability gap identified in the Ukraine war against Russian UAVs. Also in experimental stages are the assault bridge, maintenance and recovery, directed energy and tracked Stryker vehicles. The eight-wheeler weighs 20 tons and can sustain speeds of 60 mph. Its performance metrics enabled forces to move rapidly as a cohesive combined arms combat team in Iraq and Afghanistan. The immediate reactions have been varied with some welcoming it as a consolidation of the Indo US defence collaboration initiative. Others decried it as a big setback for the local efforts by Tatas and Mahindra develop 8x8 wheeled armoured personnel carrier like the Kestrel. However, as these efforts are limited to the basic platform and a lot of challenges still remain in transforming it into a versatile weapon system. Characteristics A look at the specs of the Stryker vehicle indicates that the platform may not be the right fit for the kind of deployments needed in our context at the LAC or the LC/IB. The war in Ukraine has demonstrated that performance claimed by OEMs is seldom met specially when systems get fielded in different operational environments, specially related to terrain and technology. Images of US-supplied Stryker combat vehicle in action in Ukraine have emerged in media. One video that appeared shows a Russian Lancet loitering munition targeting a Stryker, although the damage sustained is unclear. The Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation has claimed destruction of four Strykers since these appeared on the southeastern frontline near Zaporizhia sometime back. 3 The Stryker's hull is constructed from high hardness rolled homogenous steel which offers a basic level of protection against 14.5 mm rounds on the frontal arc. It has all-around protection against 7.62 mm ball ammunition. With bolt-on ceramic armour all-around protection against 14.5 mm armour-piercing ammunition and artillery fragments from 155 mm rounds is feasible. This level of protection may not be adequate against heavier PLA platforms that are deployed at LAC as well as explosively formed penetrators. In addition, with a power to ratio of 15.8 KW per tonne the vehicle is underpowered for operations both in HAA and deserts. It therefore makes sense that the Army inducts these with suitable mobility upgrades and survivability suites so as to achieve an operational overreach against its adversaries. The PLA has reportedly deployed the ZBL 08 at LAC. Detailed performance comparison between the Stryker and the Chinese ZBL 08, is important. Evaluating factors such as mobility, armor protection, firepower and adaptability to varied terrains becomes essential for a comprehensive understanding of their relative effectiveness. Technologically, the Strykers should be a few notches ahead of ZBL08 in terms of firepower, network centricity and survivability. However, its effectiveness against new threats specially EFP and GPS enabled munitions needs to be validated as more numbers get deployed in East Europe. Impact on Indigenous Programmes The apprehension that the deal could detrimentally impact ongoing attempts to develop an indigenous wheeled APC are justified. Any large-scale acquisition of Strykers could effectively stymie indigenous development of a wheeled platform for several decades. A pragmatic approach would be to acquire adequate numbers of Strykers to address critical capability gaps for the present and press on with the design and development of an indigenous platform. The Stryker deal should be used as an opportunity to stabilise the availability of indigenous sub systems and foundational technologies for rolling out a purely indigenous system. The Tata and Mahindra platforms are yet to be loaded with armaments, survivability, situational awareness and other systems needed for an effective, integrated equipment capability primarily because proven Indian sub-systems are not available. The Stryker on the other hand comes as a fully integrated, versatile platform which has been tested in combat. It makes sense to acquire the system to not only plug operational capabilities gaps in the interim but also using the know how acquired to propel development of an indigenous wheeled combat vehicle. The depth and range of TOT has to be identified to facilitate development of such a bespoke platform. Costing A meticulous cost analysis of the Stryker manufacturing in India, including factors such as technology transfer, infrastructure development, and MRO requirements, is imperative. Comparisons with the existing infantry combat vehicle BMP-2 costs will provide valuable insights into the economic feasibility and sustainability of the Stryker program. If we apply the inflation rate to the 2012 cost of $4.9 million, the adjusted cost would be approximately 6 million USD. Keep in mind that this is a rough estimate, and actual costs may vary based on specific contract terms, upgrades and modifications, and other factors. Acquisition and support costs alone could preclude large scale acquisition of Strykers and hence the focus on design and development of an indigenous platform that is less complex, affordable and customised for employment at the LAC has to be retained. Conclusion The strategic collaboration on Stryker combat vehicles marks a pivotal juncture in the Indo US defense partnership. It needs to be remembered that weapons designed abroad for a specific operational employment may not be militarily effective in the Indian sub-continent. 4 Thus, a careful consideration of operational limitations, adaptation based on lessons from combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan and a cost-effective approach to manufacturing and life cycle support are imperative to ensure its successful integration into the existing fleet. An upgraded Stryker incorporating a gun missile weapon package, an altitude compensated mobility system--- hybrid engine, survivability suites and situational awareness systems can provide the desired operational overreach against the prime adversary. Such a comprehensive approach will not only enhance the nation's defence capabilities but also foster a robust and self-reliant defence industrial base.