In a significant step towards bolstering India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the metal cutting ceremony for the Advanced Armoured Platforms (AAP) – Wheeled and Tracked variants – at the Pune premises of Tata Advanced Systems and Bharat Forge Ltd. The event, held on April 2, 2025, was presided over by the Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, marking a milestone in India’s journey towards Atmanirbharta in defence production.
The ceremony, attended by key dignitaries from DRDO, Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge, and other industry partners, showcased the collaborative spirit driving India’s defence innovation. The AAP project, a state-of-the-art infantry combat vehicle class system, is a testament to the synergy between DRDO and private industry, with a planned rollout scheduled for October 2025. This ambitious timeline reflects a significantly reduced development period, a feat achieved through the combined efforts of DRDO’s Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahmednagar and its industrial partners.
A Leap Forward in Armoured Technology
The Advanced Armoured Platform, available in both wheeled (8×8 chassis) and tracked variants, is designed to meet the Indian Army’s need for modern, versatile combat vehicles. According to DRDO, the AAP will weigh approximately 24 tonnes and feature advanced thermal and optical sights, sophisticated fire control systems, and amphibious capabilities for the wheeled version. The platform is expected to serve multiple roles, including fully armed combat versions, command and control units, and surveillance and reconnaissance vehicles, aligning with the Army’s earlier estimate of requiring 1,750 Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICVs).
The AAP will incorporate advanced subsystems such as chassis, hull, engine, transmission, electrical systems, protective apparatus, weapons, and combat systems, all developed in accordance with VRDE’s stringent technical specifications. This initiative not only enhances India’s indigenous defence capabilities but also positions the country as a potential exporter of advanced military technology in the future.
Industry-DRDO Collaboration: A Perfect Model for Atmanirbharta
The metal cutting ceremony highlighted the growing role of private sector giants like Tata Advanced Systems and Bharat Forge in India’s defence ecosystem. Speaking at the event, the DRDO Chairman emphasized the importance of such collaborations in achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing. “The AAP project is a shining example of how DRDO and industry can work in perfect synergy to design, develop, and manufacture critical defence systems,” he said. “This partnership has enabled us to drastically reduce development timelines while ensuring world-class quality.”
Tata Advanced Systems, a key partner in the project, has a proven track record in defence manufacturing, having previously delivered Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicles (IPMVs) 8×8 to the Indian Army for patrols in Ladakh. Similarly, Bharat Forge has been a vital contributor to India’s defence sector, with its expertise in advanced manufacturing and engineering. The collaboration with DRDO on the AAP project further cements their roles as leaders in India’s defense industry.
