New Delhi : In a major boost to India’s indigenous defense capabilities, Bharat Forge Limited, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation, has officially flagged off the Vikram VT 21, a new generation of advanced armored platforms developed in under three years.
The project was executed in partnership with the Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), a premier DRDO laboratory focused on military vehicle systems.
Dual Platform Development Under a Collaborative Model
The Vikram VT 21 program includes two advanced platforms:
- Advanced Armoured Platform – Wheeled (AAP-Wh)
- Advanced Armoured Platform – Tracked (AAP-Tr)
The initiative represents a collaborative effort involving Tata Advanced Systems Limited along with multiple MSME partners, showcasing the growing strength of India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem.
Developed under the Development-cum-Production Partner (DCPP) model, the program integrates DRDO’s research expertise with the manufacturing scale and agility of private industry.
Demonstrating Speed, Capability, and Readiness
One of the most notable achievements of the program is its rapid development timeline—less than three years from concept to rollout—highlighting improved efficiency in India’s defense R&D and production pipeline.
The wheeled variant, AAP-Wh, has already cleared the Technical Evaluation Committee for key Indian Army programs, including:
- Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV)
- Wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicle (WH-AFV)
This milestone indicates the platform’s operational readiness and its ability to meet evolving battlefield requirements.
Leadership Presence at Unveiling Ceremony
The unveiling ceremony was attended by senior defense leadership, including Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, along with top officials from the Indian Army and representatives from the defense industry.
Their presence underscored the strategic importance of the program in strengthening India’s military modernization efforts.
Strengthening Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
Through its defense arm, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited, Bharat Forge reaffirmed its commitment to advancing indigenous defense technologies. The company continues to invest heavily in design, engineering, and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
The Vikram VT 21 platforms are expected not only to support the operational needs of the Indian Armed Forces but also to open opportunities in the global defense export market.
A Step Toward Self-Reliance in Defense
The successful development of Vikram VT 21 reflects India’s broader push toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing. By leveraging public-private collaboration under the DCPP model, the program demonstrates how innovation, speed, and industrial capability can come together to deliver world-class military platforms.
As global demand rises for advanced armored systems, the Vikram VT 21 positions India as an emerging player in next-generation defense technologies and export-ready solutions.
