Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiled advanced armoured platforms, tracked and wheeled, developed by Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) at the DRDO laboratory in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, on April 25, 2026. The Secretary, Department of Defence (Research and Development) and Chairman of DRDO, Dr Samir V Kamat, presided over the unveiling. The platforms have been developed to meet emerging operational requirements of the defence forces.

Both platforms are integrated with an indigenously designed and developed 30 mm crewless turret providing mobility, firepower and protection. The turret, together with a 7.62 millimetre PKT gun, is configured to launch anti-tank guided missiles and can be adapted for multiple roles. The vehicles feature a high power engine and automatic transmission delivering a high power to weight ratio, enhanced speed and improved gradient and obstacle negotiating capability. Protection meets STANAG level four and five with modular blast and ballistic protection all around, and amphibious capability is provided by hydro jets for improved water obstacle crossing.

Indigenous content in the base design is reported at 65 per cent with plans to increase to 90 per cent. Manufacturing has been undertaken by two industry partners, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), supported by many micro, small and medium enterprises. The collaboration is intended to strengthen the evolving defence industrial ecosystem and enable wider industry participation in production. The base platform is described as configurable for a range of mission roles according to service requirements.

The unveiling was attended by distinguished scientists and senior officials including directors general associated with armament and combat engineering systems and with production, coordination and services interaction. Chief executive and managing personnel from TASL Pune and senior leadership from BFL Pune were present along with directors and scientists from DRDO laboratories such as Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) and Research and Development Establishment (Engineers). The event emphasised indigenous design, industry collaboration and operational readiness.