Major Pawan Kumar, Shaurya Chakra

  • All-Terrain Tactical Hauler: TVS Defence’s Answer to Last-Mile Delivery
  • Major Pawan Kumar SC (Retd.) on TVS Defence’s Soldier Comfort Solutions to India’s Forces

By Sangeeta Saxena

New Delhi. 29 September 2025. Part of the  TVS Group, TVS Defence is the group’s latest venture, aligning with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Traditionally known for its civilian vehicles and industrial presence, the group diversified into defence with the goal of making India’s armed forces more capable through indigenous solutions. The vertical focuses on two main segments: mobility solutions like the ATTH for last-mile delivery in rugged terrains, and technical textiles for modern soldier needs.

The ATTH is already in use with the Indian Army’s Central, Northern, and Eastern Commands and has undergone successful trials with BSF Headquarters and NSG, with CRPF trials scheduled soon. TVS Defence also offers naval solutions such as small ROVs and service vehicles for surveillance, showcasing its ambition to cater to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and paramilitary. While still a relatively new entrant, TVS Defence is committed to evolving its products in partnership with the forces, embodying the ethos of trial, feedback, and continuous improvement.

At the Police Expo, Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU) spoke with Major Pawan Kumar, Shaurya Chakra (Retd.), Senior General Manager (Business Development) at TVS Defence, the newly established defence vertical of the renowned TVS Group. With a strong emphasis on the Government of India’s Make in India initiative, TVS Defence is diversifying into textiles and mobility solutions tailored for the armed forces and paramilitary. Major Kumar highlighted the company’s innovative products, current deployments, and its vision for evolving alongside the needs of India’s security forces.

ADU. What is the scope of TVS Defence’s presence at the Police Expo?

Maj. Pawan Kumar, SC (R). I’m Major Pawan Kumar Sohre Chakran, Senior GM (BD) with TVS Defence. At this Police Expo, we are showcasing our contributions under the Government of India’s Make in India initiative. TVS Defence operates in two main segments: technical textiles and mobility solutions.

ADU. What is your flagship product in the mobility segment?

Maj. Pawan Kumar, SC (R). Our flagship project is the All-Terrain Tactical Hauler (ATTH). It’s a modern alternative to porters and ponies, carrying up to 120 kg of load. It is remotely operated, battery powered, maintenance free, and designed for last-mile delivery across all terrains—mountains, deserts, snow, and slush.

ADU. Is it already operational with the armed forces?

Maj. Pawan Kumar, SC (R). Yes. The ATTH is already in service with the Indian Army’s Central, Northern, and Eastern Commands. It has also been successfully trialled by the BSF Headquarters and NSG, and the CRPF has expressed strong interest, with trials scheduled next month.

ADU. Do you also cater to the Navy and Air Force?

Maj. Pawan Kumar, SC (R). Yes. For the Navy, we have small ROVs and service vehicles for surveillance, and we are developing solutions for other services as well.

ADU. Can you elaborate on the ATTH’s versatility?

Maj. Pawan Kumar, SC (R). The ATTH is payload-agnostic. It can carry cargo, lay communication lines with a drum or spool, or transport a stretcher for casualty evacuation. It is available in both wheeled and tracked versions, and the conversion takes just a minute.

ADU. What about your technical textiles division?

Maj. Pawan Kumar, SC (R) . We manufacture multi-purpose backpacks—for medical, communication, or general soldier use—as well as BPJ harnesses with weight distribution systems. These are designed to improve soldier comfort, reduce fatigue, and meet mission-specific needs.

ADU. How was the response at this year’s Police Expo?

Maj. Pawan Kumar , SC (R). The traction has been excellent. The event has been very well organised this time, and we are very happy with the footfall and the quality of engagement.

ADU. TVS has long been associated with civilian vehicles. Is this a new foray into defence?

Maj. Pawan Kumar, SC (R) . Defence is the latest vertical of the TVS Group. Inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s Make in India initiative, TVS Defence was established to strengthen our armed forces through indigenous solutions.

ADU. Any message you’d like to share with the armed forces?

Maj. Pawan Kumar , SC (R). I would urge them to trial new equipment. We are evolving, and everything won’t be perfect immediately. But with feedback, we can refine and deliver. We are absolutely Make in India, and committed to supporting the forces.

All-Terrain Tactical HaulerTVS Defence showcased its flagship All-Terrain Tactical Hauler (ATTH) at the expo. This battery-operated, remotely controlled, maintenance-free platform is designed as a modern alternative to porters and ponies for transporting loads in challenging terrain. Capable of carrying 120 kg payloads across snow, scree, deserts, and slush, the hauler is both wheeled and tracked, offering modular flexibility for cargo, communication line laying, or even stretcher evacuation roles. In addition, TVS Defence displayed its technical textiles portfolio, which includes multi-purpose backpacks, specialised medical and communication packs, and BPJ harnesses with advanced weight distribution systems, reflecting the company’s dual focus on mobility and soldier comfort

The newest vertical of the TVS Group, is rapidly carving a niche in India’s defence ecosystem with its focus on Make in India. From the versatile All-Terrain Tactical Hauler, already deployed with the Indian Army, to innovative technical textile solutions, the company is addressing both mobility and soldier comfort needs. As Major Pawan Kumar emphasized, TVS Defence is evolving hand-in-hand with the armed forces—encouraging trials, embracing feedback, and striving to deliver rugged, indigenous, and effective solutions for India’s Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary.

As told to Sangeeta Saxena