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{{short description|Light tactical military vehicle}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox weapon
|name=Ordnance Factory Board Mine Protected Vehicle
| image= Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ)'s Mine Protected Vehicle.jpg
| image_size = 300
|caption= An Aditya-type MPV.
|origin= [[India]]
|used_by = See [[Ordnance Factory Board Mine Protected Vehicle#Operators|Operators]]
|type = [[MRAP]]
|manufacturer = [[Ordnance Factories Board|Ordnance Factory Board]]
| wars = [[Naxalite–Maoist insurgency]]<br/>[[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]]<br/>[[Nepalese Civil War]]
|production_date = 2001 – present
|is_vehicle = yes
|variants = See [[Ordnance Factory Board Mine Protected Vehicle#Variants|Variants]]
|armour=
|crew= 2 (Crew) + 10 (Passengers)
|weight=
|length=6.00 metres
|width=2.90 metres
|height=3.07 metres
|payload_capacity=
|turning_radius=
|pw_ratio= 11 Tons at 1400 kg
|clearance= 305 mm (ground)<br />1000 mm (fording)
|primary_armament= Turret for light/medium machine gun or a [[Remote weapon station]] mounted on top.
|engine=Diesel
|suspension=
|vehicle_range={{Convert|1000|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}
}}

The '''Ordnance Factory Board Mine Protected Vehicle''' ('''OFB MPV''') is a [[MRAP|Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected]]-type vehicle used by the [[Indian Army]] and the [[Central Reserve Police Force]] as an armored personnel carrier to transport personnel with protections from explosives and small arms fire.<ref name="SM">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018184000/https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/indian-army-buys-extra-mine-protected-vehicles/ |url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/indian-army-buys-extra-mine-protected-vehicles/ |title=Indian Army buys more MPVs |author=Gordon Arthur |publisher=Shepard Media |date=17 October 2016 |access-date=31 January 2017 |archive-date=18 October 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-to-procure-more-mine-protected-vehicles-for-paramilitary-forces/articleshow/69019896.cms?from=mdr|title=Government to procure more mine-protected vehicles for paramilitary force|date=2019-04-24|publisher=Economic Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512224030/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-to-procure-more-mine-protected-vehicles-for-paramilitary-forces/articleshow/69019896.cms?from=mdr|archive-date=2019-05-12}}</ref> The MPV’s construction was based on the [[Casspir]] Mk II, which India used in the 1990s.<ref name="Jane’s">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007174442/http://www.janes.com/article/64411/indian-army-orders-250-mpvs-for-use-in-counter-terrorism-operations |url=http://www.janes.com/article/64411/indian-army-orders-250-mpvs-for-use-in-counter-terrorism-operations |title=Indian Army orders 250 MPVs for use in counter-terrorism operations |author=Radul Bedi |access-date=31 January 2017 |archive-date=7 October 2016 |publisher=Jane's |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Mine Protected Vehicle has been improved by Ordnance Factory Board after feedback from the CRPF based on their experience in encountering powerful improvised explosive devices that were able to destroy them and kill the occupants inside during ambushes.

==History==
The Mine Protected Vehicle was developed in 2001 at a cost of USD$14 million.<ref name="BR">{{cite web|url=https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/weapons/350-MPV.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131130022/https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/weapons/350-MPV.html |title=Mine Protected Vehicle |archive-date=31 January 2017 |access-date=31 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2004, exports were made to Nepal.<ref name="Export">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131065303/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/diplomatic-concerns-prompt-govt-to-abort-export-of-mine-protected-vehicles-to-iraq/1/191759.html|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/diplomatic-concerns-prompt-govt-to-abort-export-of-mine-protected-vehicles-to-iraq/1/191759.html|title=Fighting shy of a deal|publisher=India Today|access-date=31 January 2017|archive-date=31 January 2017|date=3 April 2006|author=Sandeep Unnithan}}</ref> ''Sainik Samachar'' reported in the July 2005 issue that OFB had made a version of the MPV with a remote control weapon system.<ref name="BR"/>

The MPV was presented publicly in 2007, with the name of [[Ādityas|Aditya]], under the production of Ordnance Factory Medak.<ref name="OI">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131073726/http://www.oneindia.com/2007/08/01/aditya-to-be-inducted-in-indian-army-1185973443.html |url=http://www.oneindia.com/2007/08/01/aditya-to-be-inducted-in-indian-army-1185973443.html |title='Aditya' to be inducted into Indian Army |publisher=One India |archive-date=31 January 2017 |access-date=31 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Indian Army made a contract to secure 1,400 MPVs, but an order of 250 MPVs was secured in November 2007.<ref name="OI"/>

For a short time, there were discreet inquiries made by the US military on the option of purchasing OFB-made MPVs.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131120714/http://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/us-expresses-interest-in-indian-mine-protected-vehicle/492862|archive-date=31 January 2017|access-date=31 January 2017|publisher=Outlook|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/us-expresses-interest-in-indian-mine-protected-vehicle/492862|title=US expresses interest in Indian-made mine protected vehicle}}</ref>

However following a series of ambushes conducted with [[improvised explosive device]]s (IEDs) that were able to destroy the MPVs as early as 2005, they were described by CRPF director general K. Vijay Kumar as merely “coffins on wheels”.<ref name="MD">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131110943/http://m.mid-day.com/articles/mine-protected-vehicle-or-coffin-on-wheels/151795 |url=http://m.mid-day.com/articles/mine-protected-vehicle-or-coffin-on-wheels/151795 |archive-date=31 January 2017 |access-date=31 January 2017 |title=Mine Protected Vehicle or coffin on wheels? |publisher=Mid-Day |author=Sushant Singh |date=24 January 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="TI">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Centre-looking-into-MPVs-vulnerability-in-anti-Naxal-war/articleshow/11608920.cms? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124072827/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Centre-looking-into-MPVs-vulnerability-in-anti-Naxal-war/articleshow/11608920.cms |title=Centre looking into MPVs’ vulnerability in anti-Naxal war |archive-date=24 January 2012 |access-date=31 January 2017 |date=24 February 2012 |author=Vishwa Mohan |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The reasoning was simple, the Naxalites were able to produce IEDs containing up to 80 kilograms explosives in weight and no MRAP can be designed to survive the blast force generated by such a massive explosion<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Security-forces-asked-to-shun-armoured-vehicles-in-Naxal-areas/articleshow/10382187.cms |title = Security forces asked to shun armoured vehicles in Naxal areas | India News - Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/anti-mine-vehicles-reduced-to-coffin-on-wheels_736033.html |title = Anti-mine vehicles reduced to 'coffin on wheels'|date = 11 October 2022}}</ref> due to IEDs and not against anti-tank mines.<ref>Camp & Heitman, p. 239</ref>

Hence, the MRAPs were converted to use in limited roles, such as evacuating casualties.<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/crpf-shifts-mpvs-from-naxal-grid-to-kashmir-for-better-convoy-security/articleshow/52925556.cms | title=CRPF shifts MPVS from Naxal grid to Kashmir for better convoy security| newspaper=The Economic Times| date=13 July 2022}}</ref>

This also forced the CRPF to look for alternative means to successfully counter IED ambushes.<ref name="TI"/> The CRPF has discontinued most of its MPVs in service in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121024848/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/armoured-carriers-are-no-protection-in-heavily-mined-maoist-areas/story-8pfwI3pcJWH6xgIyikQtAM.html |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/armoured-carriers-are-no-protection-in-heavily-mined-maoist-areas/story-8pfwI3pcJWH6xgIyikQtAM.html |title=Armoured carriers are no protection in heavily-mined Maoist areas |author=Ejaz Kaiser |archive-date=21 November 2015 |access-date=31 January 2017 |date=15 April 2015 |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>

In the meantime, their MPVs were sent to Kashmir for use in providing security to CRPF convoys there, since the insurgents operating in the region and in [[Naxalite|Naxal-influenced]] areas have different operational methods.<ref name="CRPF MPVs">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160626111141/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/crpf-shifts-mpvs-from-naxal-grid-to-kashmir-for-better-convoy-security/articleshow/52925556.cms|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/crpf-shifts-mpvs-from-naxal-grid-to-kashmir-for-better-convoy-security/articleshow/52925556.cms|title=CRPF shifts MPVs from Naxal grid to Kashmir for better convoy security|access-date=31 January 2017|archive-date=26 June 2016|publisher=Economic Times}}</ref> CRPF MPVs in Naxalite areas are limited to evacuating casualties.<ref name="CRPF MPVs"/>

In 2012, the CRPF approached OFB specialists from Vehicle Factory Jabalpur and requested for future MPVs to be enhanced for better protection against IEDs.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119235014/http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/crpf-asks-ofb-to-enhance-safety-of-mine-protected-vehicles_811460.html |url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/crpf-asks-ofb-to-enhance-safety-of-mine-protected-vehicles_811460.html |title=CRPF asks OFB to enhance safety of mine protected vehicles |date=2012-11-18 |access-date=2017-02-20 |archive-date=19 November 2012 |publisher=Zee News |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In response, OFB made an upgraded version of the first MPV, known as the Modern Mine Protected Vehicle or the Yuktirath, which was ordered by the Indian Army with an initial order of 14 MPVs in 2009.<ref name="IT">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521143432/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/maoists-mines-crpf-mpv-explosives/1/671625.html|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/maoists-mines-crpf-mpv-explosives/1/671625.html|title=Weak wheeled|author=Jugal R Purohit|access-date=21 May 2016|archive-date=21 May 2016|publisher=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/MPVs-handed-over-to-Army/article16505401.ece|title=MPVs handed over to Army|date=5 March 2010|access-date=31 January 2017|publisher=The Hindu}}</ref> The Yukitirath was officially presented for the first time in public in 2012 at the Defexpo 2012 exhibition.<ref name="ZW">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701200848/https://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/news/ordnance-factory-board-showcases-yuktirath/12320/ |url=https://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/news/ordnance-factory-board-showcases-yuktirath/12320/ |title=Ordnance Factory Board showcases Yuktirath |author=Sukhpreet Singh |archive-date=1 July 2019 |date=4 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Indian Army made an order for 250 MPVs in late September 2016, which is expected to be produced by Vehicle Factory Jabalpur with first deliveries made in 2018.<ref name="SM"/> They will be deployed in the Northeastern parts of India and in Kashmir for anti-insurgency operations.<ref name="Jane’s"/>

Ordnance Factory Board Medak won the Golden Peacock Innovative Product Award during a ceremony in Dubai in 2016 for excellence in their technology in creating and improving the MPV.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maahyderabad.in/ordinance-factory-in-medak-wins-golden-peacock-innovative-product-award-in-dubai/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220031641/http://www.maahyderabad.in/ordinance-factory-in-medak-wins-golden-peacock-innovative-product-award-in-dubai/ |archive-date=20 February 2017 |access-date=2017-02-22 |publisher=MAA Hyderabad |date=2016-05-06 |title=Ordinance Factory in Medak wins ‘Golden Peacock Innovative Product Award in Dubai |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Design==
[[File:TIDE SECURITY DURING GNC BANDH-3.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Rear view of the Aditya MPV.]]

Being based on the Casspir, the MPV has the same V-monoque hull with a provision for a [[Remote weapon station]] or a mounted turret for a light or medium machine gun for protection and self-defense purposes.<ref name="MPV">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415183330/http://ofb.gov.in/products/data/military/5.htm|url=http://ofb.gov.in/products/data/military/5.htm|title=Mine Protected Vehicle|publisher=Ordnance Factory Board|access-date=31 January 2017|archive-date=15 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710191056/http://ofb.gov.in/products/data/military/add_16.htm|url=http://ofb.gov.in/products/data/military/add_16.htm|title=Mine Protected Vehicle with RCWS|publisher=Ordnance Factory Board|access-date=31 January 2017|archive-date=10 July 2022}}</ref> The RWS can be armed with machine guns or grenade launchers.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407224636/http://www.defense-update.com/products/m/mpv-indian.htm |url=http://www.defense-update.com/products/m/mpv-indian.htm |date=2004 |access-date=2017-02-22 |archive-date=7 April 2016 |publisher=Defense Update |title=Mine Protected Vehicle |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Its use was criticized by the CRPF due to bad armor protection, which means that stronger IEDs can be used to destroy them when they are out on patrols.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410141848/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100407/jsp/nation/story_12311683.jsp |title=Attack exposes chink in mine vehicle – Rebels thwart machines with big bombs |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100407/jsp/nation/story_12311683.jsp |date=10 April 2010 |access-date=31 January 2017 |archive-date=10 April 2010 |author=Sujan Dutta |publisher=Telegraph India |url-status=dead }}</ref> Naxalite-made IEDs are composed of fertilisers, gelatins, emulsions and slurries.<ref name="MD"/> Their successes in destroying them serves as mainly propaganda for the Naxalites.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408032752/http://idsa.in/idsacomments/MaoistsunderstandthelimitationsofMineProofVehicles_pvraman_300112 |url=http://idsa.in/idsacomments/MaoistsunderstandthelimitationsofMineProofVehicles_pvraman_300112 |title=Maoists understand the limitations of Mine Proof Vehicles |publisher=Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses |access-date=31 January 2017 |archive-date=8 April 2014 |author=PV Ramana |date=30 January 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The creation of the Yuktirath has better protection than its predecessor, surviving 14 kg of explosives and 1 kg of shrapnel from 5 metres with a height of 1.5 metres,<ref name="AMR">{{cite magazine|last= Baddelly|first= Adam|date= 1 February 2013|title= Protected Mobility: Many Threats, Many Options|url= https://issuu.com/vishmeh/docs/new_amr_feb-2013|magazine= Asian Military Review|access-date= 31 January 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131111224931/http://issuu.com/vishmeh/docs/new_amr_feb-2013|archive-date= 11 November 2013|url-status= live}}</ref> which also includes better axles to be easily replaced in case it gets damaged in an IED ambush.<ref name="AMR"/> It can also withstand TNT and other types of explosives for up to 42 kg under the wheel and 35 kg under the hull with a 6x6 drivetrain.<ref name="ZW"/>

The Minister of State for Defence [[M. M. Pallam Raju]] mentioned the need for technology to be modernized with the creation of the Yuktirath.<ref name="Brahmand">{{cite web|url=http://www.brahmand.com/news/Army-should-be-made-selfreliant-to-meet-security-challenges/2381/1/12.html|title=Army should be made self-reliant to meet security challenges|date=31 October 2009|access-date=1 February 2017|publisher=Brahmand|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201053914/http://www.brahmand.com/news/Army-should-be-made-selfreliant-to-meet-security-challenges/2381/1/12.html|archive-date=1 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Tests===
In tests against the [[Wer’wolf MKII]], the Indian Army said that the MPV failed in most of the tests conducted, such as driving on steep terrain with occasional breakdowns, leaks and broken parts.<ref name="Report">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305111619/http://www.wmf.com.na/files/india_trial_report.pdf |url=http://www.wmf.com.na/files/india_trial_report.pdf |title=WER’WOLF MKII Mine Protected Vehicle India Trial Report: January – June 2000 |date=2000 |access-date=31 January 2017 |archive-date=5 March 2016 |author=Johan Dippenaar |url-status=dead }}</ref> During simulated IED bomb tests, the MPV failed since it destroyed the windows and the floor plates with the rear axles and hull having major damage.<ref name="Report"/> At one point, the MPV crew refused to participate in driving the vehicle in the snow as part of the snow test, not trusting its worthiness.<ref name="Report"/>Which meant it must be redesigned for improved security of troops

==Variants==
* '''Aditya''' – First version of the MPV. It was made in 2001, but was publicly announced in 2007.<ref name="BR"/><ref name="OI"/> It's built to withstand TNT and other types of explosives for up to 14 kg under the wheel and 10 kg under the hull.<ref name="MPV"/>
* '''Yuktirath''' – Second version of the MPV. It's built to withstand bomb attacks from TNT and other types of explosives for up to 42 kg under the wheel and 35 kg, alongside 14 kg of explosives and 1 kg of shrapnel from 5 metres with a height of 1.5 metres under the hull with a 6×6 drivetrain.<ref name="ZW"/><ref name="AMR"/> The other known variant aside from the MRAP version is a light armored recovery vehicle, which has a 4x4 drivetrain.<ref name="ZW"/>

==Operators==
[[File:Joint operation against ADF in Beni (13247016334).jpg|thumb|March 2014, a [[Tanzania]]n [[WZ551]] passing by the wreck of a Nepalese MVP, destroyed one year earlier during [[MONUSCO]] [[Allied Democratic Forces insurgency|operations against the ADF]] in the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]].]]

===Current operators===
* {{flag|India}}: Sold to the Indian Army and various paramilitary forces. 266 Aditya-type MPVs sold to the Indian Army and 120 for paramilitary forces in 2006.<ref name="Export"/> 250 MPVs sold in 2007.<ref name="OI"/> 14 Yuktirath-type MPVs sold with 329 ordered in 2009<ref name="IT"/><ref name="Brahmand"/> with 250 MPVs purchased in 2016.<ref name="SM"/>
* {{flag|Myanmar}}: 10 MPVs provided by [[India]] in 2006 for use against [[Assam separatist movements|Assamese militants]] operating from [[Myanmar]], currently unknown if operational.<ref name=sipri>{{cite web|url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|title=SIPRI Trade Register|publisher=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute|access-date=20 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|archive-date=14 April 2010|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* {{flag|Nepal}}: Sold to the Nepalese Army, being used in anti-insurgency operations against Maoist guerrillas during the civil war.<ref name="Export"/> 65 MPVs, followed by 30 MPVs were sold in 2004.<ref>{{cite journal |last= Verman|first=Bharat |date= April–June 2004 |title=Indian Defence Supplies for Nepal |journal=Indian Defence Review |volume= 19|issue=2 |pages=110}}</ref> 25 were subsequently sold.<ref name="Export"/> 124 MPVs used, most of them purchased due to Indian military grants.<ref name="trade">{{cite web |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |title=Trade Registers |publisher=Armstrade.sipri.org |access-date=2013-06-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |archive-date=14 April 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Failed exports===
* {{flag|Iraq}}: Won a contract to produce 300 MPVs for the Iraqi Army with a cost of Rs 150 crore (Rs 1.5bn) at Rs 50 lakh (Rs 5m) per vehicle.<ref name="Export"/> Due to undisclosed reasons from the MEA and MOD, OFB was forced to call off the production.<ref name="Export"/>

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline|Ordnance Factory Board Mine Protected Vehicle}}

{{MRAP vehicles}}

[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of India]]
[[Category:Post–Cold War military equipment of India]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 2000s]]

Ordnance Factory Board Mine Protected Vehicle - Revision history

Bot: robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.