SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), a leading Indian public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has launched a significant initiative to jointly develop a Wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicle (WhAFV) and Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured) category. This move, announced via an Expression of Interest (EoI) referenced as CTP&AM/EoI/SM/2025, aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, aiming to bolster the Indian Army’s capabilities with cutting-edge, domestically produced defense systems
The Indian Army’s modernization drive seeks to replace aging platforms and enhance mobility, firepower, and survivability in diverse operational environments. The Wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicle (WhAFV) is envisioned as a highly mobile, 8×8 platform capable of operating across varied terrains, from deserts to high-altitude regions. Paired with an advanced ATGM system, the WhAFV will provide the Army with a versatile, lethal combination to counter armored threats and fortified positions, particularly in the context of tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
The Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, introduced under the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016, prioritizes equipment designed, developed, and manufactured in India with at least 40% indigenous content. BEML’s EoI invites technology tie-ups with domestic and foreign partners to co-develop these systems, ensuring compliance with IDDM requirements while leveraging global expertise. This initiative follows BEML’s successful track record in supplying indigenous defense equipment, including High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), and ground support vehicles for India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
While detailed specifications remain under wraps, the WhAFV is expected to feature advanced technologies to meet the Indian Army’s operational needs. Drawing from global trends and India’s prior Requests for Information (RFIs), such as the 2019 RFI for 198 Wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicles, the platform will likely include:
- Mobility: An 8×8 wheeled configuration for superior off-road performance, equipped with an independent suspension system, central tire inflation, and a high-power engine (potentially 600–700 hp) to achieve speeds exceeding 80 km/h on roads and navigate challenging terrains.
- Protection: A modular armored hull with STANAG Level 4 ballistic protection, blast-resistant seats, and an Active Protection System (APS) to counter incoming projectiles, including ATGMs and kinetic energy rounds. Anti-drone and anti-laser smoke systems are also anticipated to address modern battlefield threats.
- Firepower: A remotely operated weapon station or manned turret housing a 30–40 mm autocannon, coaxial machine gun, and an ATGM launcher. The ATGM will likely feature a third-generation, fire-and-forget system with dual-mode seekers (infrared and laser) and a range of 4–5 km, capable of top-attack and direct-attack modes.
- Electronics: Integration of AI-driven battlefield management systems (BMS), real-time situational awareness, and drone interoperability for network-centric warfare. Night vision cameras, GPS navigation, and secure communication systems will enhance operational effectiveness.
The ATGM, potentially derived from India’s Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM), will be optimized for vehicle-mounted operations. The MPATGM, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), is a 14.5 kg, fire-and-forget missile with a 4 km range, equipped with an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker and top-attack capabilities. Its integration into the WhAFV will provide precision strikes against tanks and fortified targets, complementing the vehicle’s main gun.
BEML’s EoI seeks partnerships with global defense firms and Indian industries to co-develop the WhAFV and ATGM, ensuring technology transfer and indigenous manufacturing. This approach mirrors India’s earlier efforts, such as the Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) and Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) programs, which involved collaboration between domestic firms like Tata, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and foreign partners.
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