Indian Army deploys Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar System near LAC

The VMIMS consists of an 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)

The Indian Army has deployed an unknown number of Mahindra Defence Systems Limited's (MDSL's) 4×4 Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar Systems (VMIMSs) near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The Indian Army's Trishakti Corps announced the deployment on its official social media account on 14 March. According to the service, the VMIMS is deployed in the northeastern state of Sikkim, which shares a border with China, Bhutan, and Nepal.

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) published a request for proposals (RFP) in January 2023, seeking to fast-track the acquisition of 50 automated infantry mortar systems mounted on 4×4 high-mobility light vehicles for the Indian Army. MDSL's VMIMS was selected by the MoD to fulfil this requirement.

Janes reported in 2024 that the deliveries of the VMIMS commenced in 2023 and were scheduled to conclude by the end of 2024.

The VMIMS comprises Milanion NTGS' Alakran-L automated, deployable mortar system fitted with an 81 mm barrel mounted onto the rear of a 4×4 Armored Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV) built by MDSL.

Milanion NTGS told Janes in 2024 that the VMIMS requires a crew of two to operate. It can accommodate 72 81 mm mortar bombs, with 36 mortar bombs stowed in compartments located on each side of the vehicle behind its armoured cab. The 81 mm mortar has a range of 7.2 km and a maximum rate of fire of 20 rds/min.

According to Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Armoured Fighting Vehicles,