Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: In a step towards indigenous production of future-ready armoured vehicles, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Saturday unveiled advanced armoured platforms (tracked and wheeled) in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar that will provide a huge boost to armed forces as these vehicles can be used for infantry transport, reconnaissance and combat support. The vehicles, flagged off by DRDO chairman Samir V Kamath, have been especially designed for deployment in diverse terrain like Ladakh, deserts and riverine areas.Vikram VT21 platform has been designed and developed by DRDO’s Vehicle Research Development Laboratory and manufactured in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Bharat Forge Ltd (BFL). Several officials of TASL and BFL attended the inauguration ceremony.The platforms are amphibian in nature and have improved water obstacle-crossing capability, with hydro jets providing them operational flexibility. They can carry up to 8 to 10 fully equipped soldiers.Both platforms have been integrated with indigenously designed and developed 30-mm crewless turret, with advanced features to meet mobility, firepower and protection requirements, a defence ministry statement said.The 30-mm crewless turret along with the 7.62-mm PKT gun is configured to launch anti-tank guided missiles. The base design has capabilities to be configured for multiple roles. The armoured vehicles have 65% indigenous content, with plans to increase it to 90%.
