SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
On April 2, 2025, a significant milestone in India’s defense manufacturing journey was marked with the metal cutting ceremony of the Advanced Armoured Platforms (AAP)—Wheeled and Tracked—at the Pune premises of the Kalyani Group, a key Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The ceremony, officiated by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of DRDO, highlighted the collaborative efforts between DRDO and industry partners like the Kalyani Group, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), and Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) to design, develop, and manufacture critical defense systems. The event also served as a platform for the Kalyani Group to showcase its AAP-Tr (Tracked), a contender for the Indian Army’s Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) program aimed at replacing the aging BMP-II fleet.
The AAP-Tr, a tracked variant of the Advanced Armoured Platform, is being positioned by the Kalyani Group as a modern, indigenous solution for the Indian Army’s FICV tender, which seeks to replace over 1,750 BMP-II vehicles currently in service. The BMP-II, a Soviet-era infantry combat vehicle inducted in the 1980s, has long been due for replacement due to its outdated technology and inability to meet the demands of modern warfare, particularly in terms of firepower, protection, and mobility. The Indian Army’s FICV program, estimated to be worth over ?60,000 crore, has been a long-standing priority, with the goal of inducting a new generation of vehicles equipped with advanced electronics, enhanced survivability, and modular weapon systems.
During the ceremony, the Kalyani Group unveiled the AAP-Tr, which features a 30mm crewless turret that the company has already begun testing. This turret, designed to provide superior firepower, is equipped with advanced thermal and optical sights, as well as a fire control system, enabling the vehicle to engage targets effectively in both day and night conditions. The 30mm cannon is capable of firing a variety of ammunition, including armor-piercing and high-explosive rounds, and can also be used in anti-aircraft roles, making the AAP-Tr a versatile platform for the Indian Army’s mechanized infantry units. The crewless design of the turret enhances crew safety by reducing their exposure to direct threats, while also allowing for greater internal space for troops and equipment.
A notable aspect of the AAP program is the commonality between its tracked and wheeled variants. The AAP-Tr shares the same hull as the AAP-Wh (Wheeled), which is being developed as the third generation of the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8, a modular combat platform indigenously designed by DRDO. The WhAP, first introduced in 2016 as a joint project between DRDO and Tata Motors, has already seen two generations of development, with variants like the Kestrel being inducted into the Indian Army and paramilitary forces for roles such as troop transport, reconnaissance, and amphibious operations. The third-generation AAP-Wh builds on this legacy, incorporating advanced features like run-flat tires, a fully amphibious design, and enhanced protection with modular armor that meets STANAG Level 4 standards, capable of withstanding small arms fire and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The decision to use a common hull for both the AAP-Tr and AAP-Wh reflects a strategic approach to reduce development costs, streamline logistics, and simplify maintenance for the Indian Army. By sharing key components such as the chassis, engine, and transmission, the two variants can leverage economies of scale, making the AAP program more cost-effective while ensuring interoperability between wheeled and tracked units. The AAP-Wh, as a successor to the WhAP, is expected to weigh around 24 tonnes and be powered by a compact, integrated 600 hp power pack, offering a high power-to-weight ratio for improved mobility across diverse terrains, from deserts to high-altitude regions.
However, the road to securing the FICV tender is not without challenges. The Indian Army’s FICV program has a history of delays and cancellations, with previous attempts to select a vendor stalling due to issues like cost overruns and shifting requirements. The Kalyani Group will face stiff competition from other contenders, including TASL, which has partnered with General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) of the US to offer its own FICV solution, and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which has been developing a tracked FICV family since 2017. L&T’s offering, showcased at DefExpo 2022, features a lightweight composite hull and a 40mm cannon on an unmanned turret, presenting a formidable alternative to the AAP-Tr.
Moreover, the Indian Army’s requirements for the FICV are stringent, calling for a vehicle that can operate in diverse environments, carry a crew of three plus eight fully equipped troops, and integrate advanced systems like canister-launched loitering munitions for non-line-of-sight (NLOS) engagements. The AAP-Tr will need to demonstrate its ability to meet these demands during user trials, particularly in terms of mobility, protection, and firepower. The 30mm turret, while a proven design, may face scrutiny compared to competitors offering larger caliber weapons, such as L&T’s 40mm cannon, which could provide greater lethality against modern armored threats.
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