DRDO Rolls Out Next-Generation Advanced Armoured Platforms, Signals New Push for Indigenous Combat Mobility
At present, indigenous content in the platforms stands at about 65 per cent, with plans to increase it to nearly 90 per cent
In a significant step towards strengthening India’s indigenous mechanised warfare capability, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Saturday unveiled its Advanced Armoured Platforms in tracked and wheeled variants at the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra. The platforms were unveiled by DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr Samir V Kamat.
Designed to meet emerging battlefield requirements of the armed forces, both platforms are equipped with an indigenously developed 30 mm crewless turret, integrated with a 7.62 mm PKT gun and configured for Anti-Tank Guided Missile launch capability.
The vehicles combine high mobility, firepower and battlefield protection, featuring powerful engines, automatic transmission, high speed, obstacle negotiation capability and STANAG Level 4 and 5 ballistic protection. Their amphibious capability, supported by hydro jets, adds operational flexibility across riverine and marsh terrains.
DRDO said the base design is modular and can be configured for multiple combat and support roles, signalling the development of a broader indigenous armoured vehicle family for future mechanised operations.
Another key feature of the programme is its industrial execution through private sector partners Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Bharat Forge Limited, supported by several MSMEs. This reflects DRDO’s growing public-private production model in strategic defence systems.
At present, indigenous content in the platforms stands at about 65 per cent, with plans to increase it to nearly 90 per cent, underlining India’s larger objective of reducing import dependence in combat mobility systems.
The unveiling is being seen as an important move towards building a next-generation Indian armoured combat platform ecosystem for both domestic deployment and potential exports.
