SOURCE: AFI
In a landmark achievement for India’s defense innovation ecosystem, Bengaluru-based startup Pravaig Dynamics has been honored with the Prime Minister’s Award for Innovation in Defence Excellence (iDEX) for its groundbreaking VEER Electric Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (E-TATV). This recognition, conferred by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) of India, underscores Pravaig’s pivotal role in advancing India’s strategic autonomy by developing cutting-edge, indigenous defense technologies.
The award marks a significant step toward reducing India’s reliance on foreign entities—a vulnerability starkly highlighted by conflicts like Ukraine’s, and one that India has grappled with in its own defense procurement history.
The iDEX Award celebrates Pravaig’s VEER E-TATV, a highly stealthy, electric-powered vehicle designed for forward patrolling, reconnaissance, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Unlike traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, the VEER’s electric powertrain operates silently, minimizing noise and heat signatures—critical for stealth missions in hostile environments. This innovation aligns with the Indian Army’s need for agile, low-profile solutions in diverse terrains, from the rugged mountains of Ladakh to dense border regions.
The VEER is a testament to Pravaig’s commitment to building technology that meets and exceeds global standards while remaining 100% Indian. Key features of the vehicle include:
- Class-Leading Stealth: Its silent operation and reduced thermal footprint make it ideal for covert missions.
- Military-Grade Durability: Designed to withstand harsh conditions, from extreme temperatures to rough terrain.
- Fully Field Repairable: Unlike many imported systems, the VEER can be repaired on-site, reducing downtime and logistical dependencies.
- Complete Data Ownership: With no foreign control over its systems, the VEER ensures that sensitive operational data remains secure and sovereign.
- Field-Tested and Proven: The vehicle has undergone rigorous trials, including in high-altitude regions like Ladakh, demonstrating its operational reliability.
Pravaig’s achievement comes at a time when global conflicts, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, have exposed the risks of over-reliance on foreign technology. Ukraine’s struggle to maintain its military capabilities amid disrupted supply chains and geopolitical pressures has served as a cautionary tale. India, too, has faced similar challenges, with delays in spares and maintenance for imported systems often hampering operational readiness. The iDEX Award-winning VEER E-TATV represents a paradigm shift—a move toward self-reliance that ensures India can build, own, and operate its defense technologies without external constraints.
“For too long, India’s industrial base has been ignored. The strength of a nation’s industrial base is directly proportional to its capacity to deter and defend,” said a spokesperson for Pravaig Dynamics. “The VEER is a step change—a leap forward in India’s capabilities, designed to meet the unique needs of our armed forces while reducing vulnerabilities tied to foreign dependency.”
Founded with a mission to leapfrog India’s technological capabilities, Pravaig Dynamics has emerged as a trailblazer in the defense and electric vehicle (EV) sectors. Through its defense subsidiary, Atima, the company has focused on developing advanced solutions tailored to the needs of the Indian military. The VEER E-TATV, which previously won the 9th iDEX Open Challenge, is a prime example of Pravaig’s ability to deliver high-performance systems that offer tactical advantages in modern warfare.
Beyond its stealth capabilities, the VEER boasts impressive specs: a dual-motor setup delivering 408 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque, paired with a 90.9 kWh battery that provides a range of over 500 km. Its rugged design ensures it can operate in extreme conditions, making it suitable for extended missions in remote areas. These features position the VEER not just as a vehicle but as a strategic asset for India’s Special Forces and border units.
Pravaig Dynamics’ success with the VEER E-TATV is more than an isolated win—it’s a harbinger of the step change India’s industrial base desperately needs. The company’s focus on field-repairable, military-grade systems with complete data ownership sets a new benchmark for defense innovation. As global militaries increasingly shift toward agile, eco-conscious, and technology-driven solutions, Pravaig is well-positioned to lead India into this new era.
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