India Rolls Out Next-Gen Armoured Might: A Big Leap in Indigenous Defence Power

In a significant boost to India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing , the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled its next-generation indigenous armoured platforms , marking a major step toward modernising the country’s combat capabilities.

The advanced Armoured Platforms (Tracked and Wheeled) were formally flagged off at the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahilyanagar, in the presence of DRDO Chairman Dr. S. V. Kamat. Designed to meet the evolving operational needs of the Indian Armed Forces, these platforms bring together mobility, firepower, and protection in a single integrated system.

At the core of these platforms is a 30 mm crewless turret , indigenously developed and capable of being paired with a 7.62 mm PKT gun. More importantly, the system is also configured to launch Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) , significantly enhancing battlefield lethality. With a high power-to-weight ratio , automatic transmission, and advanced suspension, the vehicles promise superior speed and agility, even across difficult terrains.

What sets these platforms apart is their multi-layered protection system . Built to withstand modern combat threats, they offer STANAG Level 4 and 5 protection , along with modular blast and ballistic shielding. Their amphibious capability, enabled by hydro jet propulsion, ensures seamless movement across water obstacles, adding a crucial layer of operational flexibility.

The platforms are also highly adaptable. The base design allows them to be configured for multiple roles, including Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs) and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) , making them versatile assets for varied mission requirements.

Equally notable is the emphasis on indigenisation . Currently, about 65 percent of the components are locally sourced , with plans to scale this up to 90 percent , aligning with India’s broader ‘Make in India’ vision in defence.

The manufacturing has been carried out in collaboration with industry partners such as Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Bharat Forge Limited, supported by a network of MSMEs. This partnership reflects a growing synergy between government research institutions and private industry, strengthening India’s defence ecosystem.

Beyond just a technological milestone, the rollout of these platforms signals a strategic shift, one where India is not only building for its own security needs but also positioning itself as a future exporter of advanced defence systems .