Advanced Armoured Platform (Wheeled) | Photo: Ministry of Defence, Government of India
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation flagged off two indigenous Advanced Armoured Platforms (AAP), tracked and wheeled variants, developed by its Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahilyanagar on April 25.
The event was led by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, and attended by senior officials from DRDO, industry partners, and the Indian Army. The platforms are designed to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces, including roles as Infantry Combat Vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers.
The platforms, developed under the Vikram VT 21 programme, have been co-created by VRDE along with industry partners Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Bharat Forge Limited, supported by multiple MSMEs. Manufacturing has taken place in Pune, with both tracked and wheeled versions undergoing trials prior to the flag-off.
Advanced Armoured Platform (Tracked) | Photo: Tata Advanced Systems Limited
The AAP platforms are equipped with an indigenously developed 30 mm crewless turret integrated with a 7.62 mm PKT gun and the capability to launch anti-tank guided missiles. The vehicles are designed with modular protection, including STANAG level 4 and 5 blast and ballistic protection. They also feature high power-to-weight ratios, automatic transmission, and amphibious capability using hydro jets.
The programme includes an indigenous content level of about 65 per cent, with plans to increase this to 90 per cent. The design allows for multiple configurations depending on mission requirements.
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman DRDO, stated that the project demonstrates the Development Cum Production Partner model, combining DRDO’s design capability with industry manufacturing capacity.
Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems Limited, said: “This development project has created a new benchmark in Tata Advanced Systems and DRDO collaboration, both in terms of time to completion and quality of systems provided.”
The prototypes were completed in under 30 months and have undergone mobility trials at the National Centre for Automotive Testing. Additional trials are expected as the platforms move toward field evaluation.
Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge Limited, highlighted the integration of vehicle chassis and unmanned turret systems as part of the programme.
The AAP-Wh variant has also cleared the Technical Evaluation Committee for wheeled armoured fighting vehicle and future infantry combat vehicle programmes under the Ministry of Defence. Officials indicated that the platforms are intended to meet evolving operational requirements and may also be considered for export.
The programme reflects ongoing efforts to expand domestic capability in armoured vehicle design and production through collaboration between government and industry.
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