SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between India and Canada, industrial partners involved in India’s Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) program are urging the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to reconsider its plans to procure Stryker armoured vehicles from Canada. The indigenous WhAP program, a joint initiative between DRDO and Tata Advanced Systems, offers a competitive alternative and has gained international traction, including potential orders from Morocco.
WhAP’s partners like Tata, Mahindra, and Kalyani are developing their own variants of the vehicle, making it a viable and homegrown substitute. With diplomatic tensions rising, defense experts in India are also advocating for India to withdraw from talks with U.S. officials concerning Canadian defense assets.
The WhAP is India’s first indigenously developed 8×8 amphibious wheeled armored vehicle, designed for versatile roles including reconnaissance, infantry transport, and fire support. It is a modular platform, developed by DRDO in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems, and capable of being equipped with various weapons and communication systems to suit multiple battlefield requirements. The platform’s modularity allows for variants tailored for different roles like battlefield support, troop transport, and anti-tank missions.
The indigenous WhAP, when compared to the Stryker, offers a more cost-effective and adaptable solution for India’s defense needs. Besides being locally manufactured, WhAP has an edge in terms of customization, ensuring that India can maintain strategic autonomy over its design and production.
Recent developments have seen WhAP gaining international interest, especially from Morocco, signaling its potential as an export-worthy vehicle. Its competitive pricing, ease of production, and adaptability make it a strong contender in the global defense market. Industrial players such as Tata and Mahindra are already working on their own versions of the WhAP, further strengthening the platform’s versatility.
With diplomatic tensions with Canada escalating, there is increasing pressure on the Indian government to reassess its defense procurement strategy. Defense experts and industry leaders are advocating for India to withdraw from negotiations with Canadian and U.S. defense companies, urging the government to focus on indigenous alternatives. The procurement of foreign platforms like the Stryker not only impacts India’s defense self-reliance but also could be complicated by geopolitical considerations.
The WhAP program, backed by major Indian defense firms, presents a robust and competitive solution to meet the Indian Army’s needs. By continuing to invest in indigenous defense platforms, India can ensure greater control over its defense capabilities while supporting the domestic defense industry.
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