Representative photo
Pune: Defence Research and Development Organisation ( DRDO ) has achieved a key milestone in developing the next-generation infantry combat vehicle (ICV) for Indian Army , with the wheeled variant of the Vikram VT-21 meeting operational requirements during development trials, officials said. DRDO is targeting induction of the new platforms by 2029, subject to successful testing and Army’s acceptance. The prototypes were unveiled on April 25 this year. Army’s trials will be decisive in establishing whether the Vikram VT-21 can meet these requirements across India’s varied operational environments.
Therefore, we also need to have such platforms to match the global standard while fighting more complex and hybrid warfare,” a senior mechanised infantry officer said.
Trials of the wheeled vehicle have been encouraging as it met operational requirements such as mobility, trench crossing and, most importantly, amphibious capability with the turret,” a senior DRDO official said. Both must demonstrate the ability to transport infantry safely and support troops in combat, said the officials. The programme could also strengthen domestic armoured-vehicle manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported technologies, they said.
The progress comes as Army seeks to replace its ageing fleet of Russian-origin BMP-II infantry combat vehicles, which has served as the backbone of its mechanised infantry since the 1980s. Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), a DRDO laboratory in Ahilyanagar, developed the tracked and wheeled variants in collaboration with two private companies, with support from several micro, small and medium enterprises. “We have carried out extensive trials of the wheeled platform while testing of the tracked variant is also progressing in parallel. “Germany’s Puma combines a 30mm cannon, anti-tank guided missiles, advanced crew protection and digital battlefield connectivity. The CV90 family emphasises mobility, adaptable weapon systems, survivability and integration with battlefield-management networks. The US Bradley combines an automatic cannon with anti-tank missiles and target-acquisition systems. These platforms illustrate the increasing importance of integrating protection, firepower, surveillance and communications rather than relying on armour and weapons alone. For India, the wheeled variant could offer advantages in road mobility and rapid movement, while the tracked version could be better suited to difficult off-road terrain. The programme brings together DRDO’s design and research capabilities with private industry’s manufacturing expertise. The platforms incorporate an indigenously developed 30mm unmanned turret, intended to provide firepower while allowing operators to remain inside the protected hull.
South Korea’s K21 and Russia’s Kurganets-25 are other relevant reference platforms. The development also reflects the evolution of infantry combat vehicles worldwide. US Army operates the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, while Germany fields the Puma and several European countries use variants of Sweden’s CV90.
Feedback from these evaluations will guide modifications before the vehicles progress towards induction.
Because army will eventually require production at scale, consistent quality and a reliable supply of spares, the industry participation is important. The programme’s success will therefore depend not only on prototype performance but also on the ability of manufacturers to deliver vehicles and sustain them throughout their service life. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Pune | Silver Rate in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune | Petrol Price in Pune | Diesel Price in Pune | CNG Price in Pune | LPG Price in Pune Stay updated with the latest Pune news.
Army will conduct further trials in deserts, plains and high-altitude regions, assessing mobility, weapons systems, firing capabilities and performance under different operating conditions. Download the TOI App.