Two major armoured platforms designed and developed by the DRDO to meet the emerging operational requirements of the armed forces were unveiled on Saturday. The Advanced Armoured Platforms (Tracked and Wheeled), designed and developed by the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment, were unveiled by DRDO chief Samir V. Kamat.
"The platforms have been developed to meet the emerging operational requirements of the defence forces," the defence ministry said in a statement.
Both the platforms have been integrated with an indigenously designed and developed 30 mm crewless turret, with advanced features to meet the mobility, firepower, and protection requirements.
The 30 mm crewless turret, along with the 7.62 mm PKT gun, is configured to launch Anti-Tank Guided Missiles as well. The base design has the capability to be configured for multiple roles. The indigenous content is to the tune of 65 per cent, with plans to increase it to 90 per cent.
The statement further said, "Integrated with a high-power engine and automatic transmission, these platforms possess a high power-to-weight ratio, higher speed capabilities, gradient- and obstacle-negotiating capabilities, STANAG (a measure of the level of protection) level 4 and 5 protection, with modular blast and ballistic protection all around."
Amphibious capability, with improved water obstacle crossing enabled by incorporating hydro jets, provides operational flexibility to the platforms, it said.
"It's indeed a very significant day. It's a reflection of the partnership between DRDO and large industries, which have partnered with us in developing this platform in three years since the project began. This milestone will lead to the subsequent development trials and user trials. We hope to get this platform inducted into our army in the next three years," news agency ANI quoted Kamat as saying.
"...From design to realisation, we've completed it within three years. We've developed it using an integrated approach, combining the design and manufacturing capabilities of our development partners, DRDO's design and industry partners, and synergising them. This is a major step towards self-reliance," noted Prateek Kishore, Director General of Armament & Combat Engineering Systems (ACE) under DRDO.