DRDO Unveils Armoured Platforms with Advanced Firepower and Amphibious Capabilities

Developed by VRDE, the advanced platforms are engineered to deliver superior mobility, firepower, and protection—three critical pillars of contemporary armoured warfare.

In a significant boost to India's indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) today unveiled its latest generation of Advanced Armoured Platforms (Tracked and Wheeled), designed to meet the evolving operational demands of modern warfare.

The platforms were formally unveiled by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman, DRDO, at the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahilyanagar, marking a major milestone in India's push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Cutting-Edge Design for Modern Battlefield Needs

Developed by VRDE, the advanced platforms are engineered to deliver superior mobility, firepower, and protection—three critical pillars of contemporary armoured warfare. Both tracked and wheeled variants have been equipped with an indigenously designed 30 mm crewless turret, reflecting a shift toward automation and enhanced crew safety.

The turret system integrates a 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun and is capable of launching Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs), enabling the platforms to effectively engage a wide range of threats, including heavily armoured enemy vehicles.

High Mobility and Superior Protection

Powered by high-performance engines paired with automatic transmission systems, the platforms boast a high power-to-weight ratio, enabling greater speed, agility, and operational efficiency across diverse terrains. Their ability to negotiate steep gradients and challenging obstacles makes them suitable for deployment in varied environments—from deserts to mountainous regions.

In terms of survivability, the platforms offer STANAG Level 4 and Level 5 protection, ensuring resistance against ballistic threats, artillery fragments, and explosive impacts. The modular design allows for enhanced blast and ballistic protection, providing 360-degree coverage and adaptability based on mission requirements.

Amphibious Capability Enhances Operational Flexibility

A key highlight of the new platforms is their amphibious capability. Equipped with hydro-jet propulsion systems, they can seamlessly traverse water bodies, significantly enhancing tactical mobility and enabling forces to conduct cross-terrain operations without requiring specialised bridging equipment.

Multi-Role Configurations and Indigenous Strength

The base architecture of these armoured platforms is designed for versatility, allowing them to be configured for multiple roles such as infantry combat vehicles, reconnaissance units, command platforms, and support vehicles.

With an indigenous content level currently at approximately 65%, DRDO has set an ambitious target to increase it to 90% in the coming years. This aligns with the Government of India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed at reducing dependency on imports and strengthening domestic defence manufacturing.

Industry Collaboration Driving Defence Ecosystem Growth

The manufacturing of these advanced platforms has been undertaken in collaboration with leading Indian industry partners—Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Bharat Forge Limited (BFL)—along with a network of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

This public-private partnership model underscores the growing synergy between DRDO and Indian industry, fostering innovation, boosting production capabilities, and generating employment within the defence sector.

Wide Participation from Defence and Industry Leadership

The unveiling ceremony witnessed the presence of senior DRDO officials, including Distinguished Scientists and Directors General from key clusters such as Armament & Combat Engineering Systems (ACE) and Production, Coordination and Services Interaction (PC&SI).

Top industry leaders, including the CEO & Managing Director of TASL Pune and the Vice Chairman & Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge Limited, also attended the event, highlighting the strategic importance of industry participation in defence innovation.

Scientists and directors from multiple DRDO laboratories—including Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), and Research & Development Establishment (Engineers)—were present, reflecting the multi-disciplinary effort behind the project.

Strengthening India's Defence Preparedness

The unveiling of these advanced armoured platforms represents a major leap forward in India's capability to design, develop, and manufacture sophisticated military systems domestically. As global defence dynamics evolve rapidly, such indigenous innovations are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing operational readiness and strategic autonomy.

With increasing localisation, advanced technologies, and strong industry collaboration, DRDO's latest platforms signal India's growing stature as a self-reliant and technologically capable defence power.