Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), in collaboration with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited, has officially flagged off the Vikram VT 21, a new generation of advanced armoured combat platforms developed in under three years. The Vikram VT 21 programme includes two variants: the Advanced Armoured Platform–Wheeled (AAP-Wh) and Advanced Armoured Platform–Tracked (AAP-Tr). The project reflects a strong public-private partnership, supported by a network of Indian MSMEs, showcasing the growing capability of indigenous defence manufacturing.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by senior leadership from DRDO, VRDE, and the Indian Army, along with representatives from the defence industry. Speaking at the event, DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat emphasized that the programme demonstrates the effectiveness of the Development-cum-Production Partner (DCPP) model, which integrates research expertise with industrial scale to accelerate design and delivery timelines.
Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge, described the Vikram VT 21 as a milestone in systems engineering. The platform integrates a rugged, high-mobility chassis with an advanced unmanned turret system, offering enhanced survivability and operational flexibility. He noted that the wheeled variant progressed from concept to a combat-ready system in less than three years through continuous collaboration and rapid problem-solving between stakeholders.
The Vikram VT 21 has successfully cleared the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) process for both Wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicle (WH-AFV) and Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) programmes under the Ministry of Defence. This positions the platform as a strong contender for future induction into the Indian Armed Forces, while also opening avenues in the global defence export market.
Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), headquartered in Pune, is a globally recognized, technology-led enterprise known for delivering high-performance, safety-critical components and engineering solutions. The company serves a wide range of industries, including automotive, power, oil and gas, construction and mining, rail, marine, defence, and aerospace. With a manufacturing presence spanning five countries, BFL combines deep metallurgical expertise with end-to-end capabilities—covering concept development, product design, engineering, manufacturing, testing, and validation—to support its global customer base.
Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge, spearheads the Group’s defence initiatives. Built on over five decades of experience in design, engineering, metallurgy, and advanced manufacturing, the Kalyani Group has established itself as a prominent player in India’s defence sector. Its integrated capabilities, supported by a network of facilities across key locations in the country, enable the development and delivery of critical defence technologies and systems.
