Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has introduced a new indigenous armored vehicle designed to potentially replace the Indian Army’s aging Soviet-origin BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles.
Developed by the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment, the Advanced Armoured Platform is available in both tracked and wheeled configurations, currently featuring about 65% local content with plans to increase this to 90%.
The platform is being produced in collaboration with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited, and is equipped with an indigenous 30mm unmanned turret, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and anti-tank guided missiles.
It is powered by a high-performance engine paired with an automatic transmission, enabling excellent mobility and a high power-to-weight ratio. The vehicle also offers modular STANAG Level 4–5 protection against blasts and ballistic threats.
Amphibious capabilities can be further enhanced through the integration of hydrojet systems.
Under the Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) program, India is seeking to replace its BMP-2 fleet inducted during the 1980s. Alongside Bharat Forge and Tata, competitors include Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra Defence Systems, and Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited.
An earlier 2021 request for information estimated a requirement of 1,750 vehicles, though total demand could surpass 2,000 and potentially exceed 3,500 units when including all variants and reserves.
