{"id":100936,"date":"2026-04-30T11:36:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T06:06:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=100936"},"modified":"2026-04-30T11:36:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T06:06:11","slug":"vikram-vt-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/vikram-vt-21\/","title":{"rendered":"Vikram VT 21: How Vikram VT 21 Upgrades India\u2019s Infantry Combat Vehicles"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><b>Vikram VT 21 Latest News<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Defence Research and Development Organisation has launched the <\/span><b>Vikram VT 21<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> project featuring two Advanced Armoured Platforms\u2014wheeled and tracked.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are designed to meet the Indian Army\u2019s need for a Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The platform aims to replace the ageing <\/span><b>BMP-2<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> fleet by offering improved mobility, protection, and adaptability across varied terrains, positioning it as a next-generation solution for modern battlefield requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Vikram VT 21: Advanced Armoured Platform by DRDO<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Vikram VT 21 is an Advanced Armoured Platform (AAP) developed by the DRDO, designed as a modern infantry combat vehicle.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It features enhanced armour protection capable of withstanding projectiles, blasts, and shrapnel, along with integrated weapons and surveillance systems.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The platform also offers high mobility across diverse terrains, making it suitable for modern battlefield operations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Two Variants: Wheeled and Tracked<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The project includes two variants:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Wheeled variant<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Runs on tyres, offering higher speed, easier maintenance, and suitability for urban, semi-urban, and road conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Tracked variant<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Moves on continuous tracks like tanks, providing better grip, stability, and performance on rough, uneven, and off-road terrain.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Collaborative Development<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The platform has been co-developed by the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, a DRDO facility, in partnership with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited, with support from multiple MSMEs and other DRDO units.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Vikram VT 21: Features, Mobility, Armour and Weaponry<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Vikram VT 21 is equipped with an indigenously designed 30 mm crewless turret, a remotely operated system that enhances firepower, protection, and operational safety.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is paired with a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun and can launch third-generation <\/span><b>Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, enabling it to effectively engage heavily armoured targets with precision.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>High Mobility and Performance<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Powered by a high-capacity engine and automatic transmission, the platform offers a strong power-to-weight ratio, ensuring superior speed, agility, and manoeuvrability.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can climb steep gradients and navigate difficult terrains, including trenches and uneven surfaces.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, its amphibious capability, supported by hydro jets and water propulsion systems, allows seamless movement across rivers and water bodies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Robust Armour and Protection<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The vehicle provides <\/span><b>STANAG Level 4 and 5 protection<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, adhering to NATO standards for resistance against heavy gunfire, explosions, and artillery fragments.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It also features modular blast and ballistic protection, enhancing survivability in diverse combat scenarios.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Modularity and Indigenous Development<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Designed as a modular platform, it can be adapted for multiple roles such as troop transport, reconnaissance, and combat support.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Currently, about <\/span><b>65%<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the system is <\/span><b>indigenously developed<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with plans to increase this to 90%, strengthening India\u2019s defence manufacturing ecosystem.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV): Need and Strategic Importance<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Indian Army requires a Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) to replace its ageing BMP-2 fleet, which has been in service since the 1980s.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The need arises from evolving threats and the shift towards modern, technology-driven warfare.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Role in Network-Centric Warfare<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FICV is designed for network-centric warfare, where military units, sensors, and command systems are digitally connected.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This enables real-time information sharing, faster decision-making, improved coordination, and enhanced situational awareness, significantly boosting operational effectiveness.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Operational Importance in High-Threat Areas<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With enhanced mobility, protection, and firepower, FICVs are critical for infantry operations in high-risk zones, particularly along borders with China and Pakistan.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They support rapid deployment, combined arms operations, and integration of advanced surveillance and communication systems.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Way Forward: Trials and Induction<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before induction, the platform must undergo development trials, user trials, and approval by the Indian Army, followed by large-scale production.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DRDO has expressed confidence that these stages can be completed within three years.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Source:<\/b>\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/drdos-vikram-vt-21-advanced-armoured-platform-features-and-pitch-as-futuristic-infantry-combat-vehicle-10659516\/#:~:text=Powered%20by%20a%20high%2Dcapacity,like%20trenches%20or%20rough%20terrain.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">IE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vikram VT 21 is DRDO\u2019s new combat platform. Vikram VT 21 offers better mobility, armour, and firepower to replace ageing BMP-2 vehicles.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":100951,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[60,22,59,7228],"class_list":{"0":"post-100936","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-upsc-mains-current-affairs","8":"tag-mains-articles","9":"tag-upsc-current-affairs","10":"tag-upsc-mains-current-affairs","11":"tag-vikram-vt-21","12":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100936","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=100936"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100936\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":100959,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100936\/revisions\/100959"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100951"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=100936"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=100936"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=100936"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}