SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
After rigorous internal trials spanning nearly three years, the Indian Army is poised to place a substantial order for the indigenously developed Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8. Reports suggest the order could be in the hundreds.
Developed jointly by DRDO and Tata Advanced Systems, the WhAP 8×8 is a versatile platform with amphibious capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of operational scenarios. The Army has already inducted a smaller batch of Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicles (IPMVs), a stripped-down version of the WhAP without amphibious features. However, the platform’s full potential has been extensively evaluated through testing of a dedicated WhAP 8×8 prototype.
While the Indian Army and the United States are engaged in discussions to co-develop an Indian variant of the Stryker platform, the WhAP 8×8 has garnered significant domestic support. Critics of the Stryker proposal argue that the indigenous platform offers comparable capabilities, especially in amphibious operations and muddy terrain, where the Stryker is known to face challenges.
The Army’s decision to procure both platforms indicates a strategic approach to meet diverse operational requirements. The WhAP 8×8’s amphibious characteristics and proven performance in Indian conditions make it a valuable asset, complementing the capabilities of the potential Stryker variant.
This development underscores India’s growing self-reliance in armored vehicle development and production.
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