SOURCE: AFI
In a landmark event showcasing the growing synergy between India’s defense research and private industry, the metal cutting ceremony for the Advanced Armoured Platforms (AAP)—Wheeled and Tracked—was held on April 2, 2025, at the Pune premises of Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Bharat Forge Limited. The ceremony, officiated by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), marks a significant milestone in the design, development, and manufacturing of critical defense systems for the Indian armed forces.
The AAP, a state-of-the-art infantry combat vehicle (ICV) class system, is designed to enhance the Indian Army’s operational capabilities with both wheeled and tracked variants. The project, a collaborative effort between DRDO and its industry partners—TASL and Bharat Forge—has achieved a notably reduced development timeline, reflecting the efficiency of this public-private partnership. The AAP (Wheeled and Tracked) is slated for rollout in October 2025, a target that underscores the rapid progress made by the consortium.
The metal cutting ceremony, a symbolic initiation of the manufacturing process, highlights the deepening collaboration between DRDO and India’s private defense sector. TASL, a key player in India’s aerospace and defense manufacturing, has a proven track record of delivering advanced systems, including the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) and Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicles (IPMVs) for the Indian Army. Bharat Forge, a leader in metal forming and defense technology, brings its expertise in artillery systems and armored platforms to the table. Together, these industry giants, under DRDO’s guidance, are poised to deliver a cutting-edge solution tailored to the Indian Army’s needs.
The AAP is expected to be a versatile and highly mobile infantry combat vehicle, capable of operating in diverse terrains—from the deserts of Rajasthan to the high-altitude regions of Ladakh. While specific details about the AAP’s capabilities remain under wraps, its classification as a state-of-the-art ICV suggests advanced features such as enhanced mobility, modular design, and superior firepower. The wheeled and tracked variants will likely cater to different operational requirements, with the wheeled version offering greater speed and maneuverability on roads, and the tracked version providing better traction in rugged, off-road environments.
This project builds on the success of previous collaborations between DRDO, TASL, and Bharat Forge. For instance, the WhAP, an 8×8 wheeled armored platform developed by DRDO and TASL, has already been inducted into the Indian Army and paramilitary forces, with variants like the IPMV proving their worth in challenging conditions. Similarly, Bharat Forge has been a key partner in the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) project, which has seen significant progress in recent years. The AAP project leverages this experience, combining DRDO’s research capabilities with the manufacturing prowess of TASL and Bharat Forge to deliver a system that meets global standards.
The reduced development timeline of the AAP is a point of pride for all stakeholders involved. Historically, defense projects in India have faced delays due to bureaucratic hurdles, technological challenges, and funding constraints. However, the AAP’s accelerated timeline reflects a new approach to defense manufacturing, driven by the government’s Make in India initiative and a focus on indigenization. By fostering close collaboration between DRDO and private industry, the project has streamlined processes, from design to prototyping, ensuring that the AAP will be ready for rollout in just over six months from the metal cutting ceremony.
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