The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiled advanced armoured platforms, both tracked and wheeled, at the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, on 25 April 2026. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat presented the systems, which are designed for the operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.
Armoured Vehicle Classification
Armoured combat support vehicles are military platforms used for troop transport, fire support, reconnaissance, and battlefield mobility. Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) are a class of armoured vehicles that carry soldiers and provide direct fire support, while wheeled and tracked platforms differ in mobility, terrain handling, and maintenance needs.
Weapon Systems And Protection
The platforms are fitted with an indigenously designed 30-mm crewless turret, a co-mounted 7.62-mm PKT gun, and a configuration for launching anti-tank guided missiles. The vehicles provide STANAG Level 4 and Level 5 protection, along with modular blast and ballistic defence.
Mobility And Amphibious Features
The vehicles use a high-power engine, automatic transmission, and improved obstacle-negotiating capability. They also have amphibious capability with hydro jets for crossing water obstacles.
Indigenous Development And Industrial Partners
The platforms were designed by DRDO’s Vehicle Research Development Laboratory and manufactured with Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Bharat Forge Ltd. The indigenous content is 65 per cent, and the planned target is 90 per cent.
Operational Use And Army Requirement
The vehicles are intended for deployment in Ladakh, desert regions, and riverine areas. Each platform can carry 8 to 10 fully equipped soldiers, and the systems are in contention to replace the Indian Army’s BMP-2K Sarath Infantry Fighting Vehicles.
Last Modified: April 26, 2026