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New Delhi: India’s defence capabilities received a boost as the Defence Research and Development Organisation unveiled the Vikram VT21 Advanced Armoured Platform. The rollout took place at the Vehicle Research and Development Establishment in Ahilyanagar in the presence of senior officials, including DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat.

The platform has been developed by DRDO’s Vehicle Research Development Laboratory in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Bharat Forge Limited. Officials said the system was completed within three years.

The Vikram VT21 is built to meet the needs of the Indian Armed Forces. It can operate as both an Infantry Combat Vehicle and an Armoured Personnel Carrier. Both tracked and wheeled variants carry an indigenously developed 30 mm crewless turret and a 7.62 mm PKT gun. The platform can also launch anti tank guided missiles, adding to its combat capability.

Achieving a significant milestone, the Advanced Armoured Platform (Wheeled & Tracked) designed by VRDE, DRDO and developed jointly with @tataadvanced & @BharatForgeLtd were flagged off by Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary DD(R&D) and Chairman DRDO today at VRDE Ahilyanagar in presence… pic.twitter.com/eiLalD1jJr

— DRDO (@DRDO_India)

The system combines high mobility with strong firepower and protection. It uses a powerful engine with automatic transmission to deliver speed and obstacle crossing ability. The platform offers STANAG level 4 and 5 protection with modular blast and ballistic shielding. It is also amphibious and fitted with hydro jets, allowing it to cross water bodies.

Senior DRDO officials and industry leaders attended the event. These included Prof Prateek Kishore, Dr Chandrika Kaushik, Tata Advanced Systems CEO Sukaran Singh, and Bharat Forge Vice Chairman Amit Kalyani. The rollout marks another step in India’s effort to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing and improve combat readiness.