DRDO Unveils Vikram VT 21 as Advanced Armed Platform for Future Infantry Combat Vehicle Needs

Defence Research and Development Organisation has unveiled the Vikram VT 21 Advanced Armoured Platform as a potential solution for the Indian Army’s Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle requirement.

Vikram VT 21

¨     Vikram VT 21 is a next-generation Advanced Armoured Platform (AAP) designed to combine high mobility, enhanced survivability, and superior firepower for modern battlefield conditions.

¨     It has been co-developed by DRDO’s Vehicles Research and Development Establishment in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Bharat Forge Limited, with support from MSMEs.

The platform is offered in two configurations

¨     Wheeled variant: Faster, easier to maintain, and suitable for roads, urban and semi-urban operations.

¨     Tracked variant: Provides superior traction, stability, and performance in rough, off-road, and high-altitude terrains.

¨     The platform is powered by a high-capacity engine with automatic transmission, offering strong power-to-weight ratio, high speed, and obstacle-crossing ability (trenches, slopes), with endurance of ~400 km (road) and ~300 km (cross-country).

¨     It is amphibious, using hydro-jet propulsion for riverine operations.

¨     The vehicle is equipped with an indigenous 30 mm crewless turret, 7.62 mm PKT machine gun, and can launch third-generation ATGMs (Nag).

¨     It offers STANAG Level 4/5 protection, modular armour, blast-protected seating, and CBRN protection, with provision for future active protection systems. Crew operates from within the hull using stabilised sights and fire-control systems

¨     The platform is modular and ~65% indigenous (target 90%).