In a significant stride toward self-reliance in military hardware, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Saturday launched a new series of advanced tracked and wheeled armoured platforms.
Unveiled in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, these future-ready vehicles are designed to bolster the Indian Armed Forces’ capabilities in infantry transport, reconnaissance, and combat support, said reports.
The platforms were officially flagged off by DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamath. Engineered for high-stakes environments, these vehicles are specifically tailored for deployment in challenging terrains, including the high-altitude regions of Ladakh, arid deserts, and complex riverine areas.
Collaborative Engineering and Design
The Vikram VT21 platform is the result of a strategic partnership between DRDO’s Vehicle Research Development Laboratory (VRDL) and private sector leaders. The project was manufactured in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Bharat Forge Ltd (BFL), with representatives from both firms attending the inauguration ceremony.
A standout feature of these platforms is their amphibian nature. To ensure operational flexibility during water crossings, the vehicles are equipped with specialized hydro jets, allowing them to navigate water obstacles with improved efficiency. Each unit is built to transport between 8 to 10 fully equipped soldiers.
Cutting-Edge Firepower and Protection
The vehicles are outfitted with a sophisticated weaponry suite designed for modern warfare. According to a statement from the Defence Ministry, “Both platforms have been integrated with indigenously designed and developed 30-mm crewless turret, with advanced features to meet mobility, firepower and protection requirements.”
This crewless turret system, paired with a 7.62-mm PKT gun, is also configured to launch anti-tank guided missiles, providing a lethal edge against heavy enemy armor. The base design is highly modular, allowing it to be reconfigured for multiple battlefield roles depending on the mission requirements.
Towards Maximum Indigenisation
The project highlights India’s push for “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” in the defense sector. Currently, these armoured vehicles boast 65% indigenous content. However, the DRDO and its partners have set an ambitious roadmap to increase this figure to 90%, further reducing reliance on foreign components and securing the domestic supply chain for future combat platforms.
The goal of the Vikram VT21 project extends beyond immediate deployment; it represents a strategic shift toward total domestic sovereignty in military manufacturing. By achieving a high level of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliance), India aims to insulate its defense supply chain from geopolitical fluctuations and foreign export restrictions.
Boosting Domestic Industry
The platforms currently feature 65% indigenous content, a figure that includes critical systems such as the chassis design, the amphibian propulsion units, and the sophisticated weapon stations. DRDO and its industrial partners, Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Bharat Forge Ltd, have established a roadmap to aggressively scale this figure.
KW: DRDO, Vikram VT21, armoured vehicles, Ahilyanagar, indigenous defense, TASL, Bharat Forge, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, crewless turret