DRDO’s Vikram VT-21 wheeled combat vehicle meets key development trial requirements

DRDO’s Vikram VT-21 programme has moved a step forward, with the wheeled version of the next-generation infantry combat vehicle meeting operational requirements during development trials. The progress marks an important stage for a platform intended to serve the Indian Army’s mechanised infantry.

Wheeled variant shows encouraging trial results

A senior DRDO official said the development trials of the wheeled platform have been extensive and encouraging. According to the official, the vehicle demonstrated mobility, trench-crossing capability and amphibious performance while carrying its turret. Trials of the tracked version are continuing alongside the wheeled model.

The Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), a DRDO laboratory in Ahilyanagar, developed both variants in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Bharat Forge Limited, with support from several micro, small and medium enterprises. The prototypes were unveiled on 25 April 2026.

Next phase depends on Army user trials

DRDO is aiming for induction of the platforms by 2029, subject to successful testing and acceptance by the Indian Army. The Army will now carry out further user trials in deserts, plains and high-altitude areas. These tests are expected to examine mobility, weapons systems, firing capability and performance in different operating conditions. Any feedback from the trials will be used to make modifications before induction decisions are taken.

The programme is meant to replace the Army’s ageing fleet of Russian-origin BMP-II infantry combat vehicles, which have been the backbone of mechanised infantry since the 1980s. The wheeled version is expected to offer better road mobility and quicker movement, while the tracked variant is designed for more demanding off-road terrain. Both are meant to transport infantry and support them in combat.

Design features and indigenous content

Key features of the Vikram VT-21 include an indigenously developed 30 mm unmanned turret that allows operators to remain inside the protected hull, a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and the ability to launch anti-tank guided missiles. The platforms also include modular armour offering STANAG Level 4 and 5 protection against ballistic and blast threats, amphibious capability supported by hydrojets, and a high power-to-weight ratio through a high-output diesel engine with automatic transmission. Current indigenous content is about 65 per cent, with plans to increase it to 90 per cent.

A senior mechanised infantry officer noted that modern combat vehicles such as Germany’s Puma, Sweden’s CV90 family, the US Bradley and South Korea’s K21 focus on combining protection, firepower, surveillance and communications rather than relying on armour and weapons alone. The Vikram VT-21 is intended to meet similar needs in more complex and hybrid warfare environments.

Development model and future outlook

The programme follows the Development cum Production Partner (DCPP) model, which combines DRDO’s design and research work with private industry’s manufacturing capacity. If inducted, the platform is expected to strengthen domestic armoured-vehicle production, improve quality and spares support at scale, and reduce dependence on imported technologies. Both variants have already cleared the Ministry of Defence’s Technical Evaluation Committee for the wheeled armoured fighting vehicle and Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) programmes.

Army trials across varied terrain will now be decisive in determining whether the Vikram VT-21 meets operational requirements in India’s different environments.