Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) showcased its innovative defence technologies at the DEFEA 2025 exhibition in Athens, Greece, focusing on its flagship Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 and advanced loitering munitions, notably the ALS-50 and the newly developed ALS-250. The Greek military expressed significant interest in the WhAP 8×8 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), a key highlight of TASL’s exhibition.
The WhAP 8×8, also known as the Kestrel, is a fully indigenous amphibious infantry combat vehicle developed in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This versatile platform is designed for modularity and can be adapted for various roles, functioning as both an Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) and an APC. It has the capacity to transport up to 12 soldiers and can be equipped with various weapon systems, including 30mm autocannons, anti-tank guided missiles, and remote-controlled weapon stations. Its amphibious capabilities, independent suspension system, and adaptability make it suitable for diverse operational environments, including deserts, mountains, and riverine terrains.
The design of the WhAP prioritizes protection with a defense against 14.5mm armour-piercing rounds, and optional upgrades like slat or composite armour enhance its survivability against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The vehicle has already been deployed by the Indian Army in challenging conditions along the northern and eastern borders, as well as in areas affected by insurgencies, undergoing rigorous testing in extreme environments such as high-altitude Ladakh and the Pokhran desert.
Alongside the WhAP, TASL highlighted its next-generation loitering munitions that have gained attention due to their combat-proven performance and cutting-edge features. The ALS-50, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) loitering munition, is operational with both the Indian Army and Air Force. Demonstrating impressive capabilities, it has been successfully tested in high-altitude regions and actual combat situations. With a range exceeding 50 kilometers and a payload capacity of 6 kg, the ALS-50 facilitates autonomous targeting, boasts anti-jamming features, and maintains precision strike accuracy within two meters, making it ideal for tactical operations in confined or fortified settings.
A notable feature of the display was the ALS-250, a long-range autonomous loitering munition engineered for high-altitude and strategic missions. With a range surpassing 250 kilometers, it is tailored to address challenges in difficult areas such as the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where India encounters complex threats from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. The ALS-250 is outfitted with a gyrostabilized electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) turret for round-the-clock operations and can carry either an 8 kg high-explosive pre-fragmented warhead or a tandem anti-armor warhead. Its autonomous navigation capabilities and mission abort and safe recovery functionalities enable effective performance even in GPS-denied areas.
TASL’s presence at DEFEA 2025 underscores India’s growing role in global defense exports and reflects the nation’s commitment to indigenous defense manufacturing through the Make in India initiative. The noticeable interest from Greece in versatile platforms like the WhAP emphasizes the increasing prominence of Indian military technology on the world stage.
