Bharat Forge Limited, in collaboration with VRDE (DRDO) and Tata Advanced Systems Limited, has officially flagged off the Vikram VT 21. These advanced armoured platforms, encompassing both wheeled and tracked variants, were developed in under three years. This project showcases the success of the Development Cum Production Partner (DCPP) model in strengthening India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and supporting the nation’s Atmanirbhar and Sashakt Bharat objectives.
Advancing India’s Defence Capabilities
The Vikram VT 21 project represents a significant milestone in indigenous defence manufacturing. Developed as a result of continuous engagement and collaborative problem-solving, the platforms include the Advanced Armoured Platform-Wheeled (AAP-Wh) and the Advanced Armoured Platform-Tracked (AAP-Tr). These systems are designed to adapt to the evolving requirements of the Indian Armed Forces and possess substantial potential for the global export market.
Engineering Excellence and Collaboration
A key highlight of the project is the speed of development, with the AAP-Wh moving from concept to being combat-ready in less than three years. According to company leadership, the platform is a feat of systems engineering, integrating a ruggedised vehicle chassis with an unmanned turret. The project was co-created by Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), VRDE (DRDO), and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), with essential support from several MSMEs.
Meeting Future Strategic Needs
Having successfully cleared the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) for both the Wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicle (WH-AFV) and the Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) under the Ministry of Defence, the Vikram VT 21 is positioned to play a critical role in future operations. Bharat Forge and its defence subsidiary, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), remain committed to expanding in-house design and technological capacities to provide cutting-edge solutions for the Indian Armed Forces.
Source: BSE
