Bharat Forge Launches Vikram VT 21 Advanced Armoured Vehicles With DRDO Partnership
Bharat Forge, in collaboration with DRDO, has launched the Vikram VT 21 advanced armoured platforms project, achieving the remarkable feat of developing battle-ready vehicles within three years from concept to deployment. The project encompasses both wheeled and tracked platforms that have cleared Ministry of Defence technical evaluations, positioning Bharat Forge to address the Indian Armed Forces' evolving requirements while strengthening India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Bharat Forge Limited, in collaboration with VRDE (DRDO), has successfully launched the Vikram VT 21 project, marking a significant achievement in India's defence manufacturing sector. The advanced armoured platforms represent a breakthrough in indigenous defence technology development, showcasing the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in creating battle-ready military equipment within an accelerated three-year timeline.
Project Overview and Development
The Vikram VT 21 project encompasses the development of two distinct platforms designed for modern warfare requirements. The collaboration brought together multiple stakeholders to create cutting-edge defence solutions, completing battle-ready vehicles within three years from concept to deployment.
| Platform Details: | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Platform Types: | Advanced Armoured Platform-Wheeled (AAP-Wh) and Advanced Armoured Platform-Tracked (AAP-Tr) |
| Development Partners: | VRDE (DRDO), Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) |
| Supporting Partners: | Several MSMEs |
| Development Timeline: | Under three years from concept to combat-ready |
| Development Model: | Development Cum Production Partner (DCPP) |
Key Leadership and Stakeholder Participation
The launch ceremony witnessed the participation of prominent figures from India's defence establishment and industry. The event highlighted the collaborative approach adopted for this strategic project and the company's preparation to address the Indian Armed Forces' changing requirements.
| Attendees: | Designation |
|---|---|
| Dr. Samir V. Kamat: | Chairman (DRDO) |
| Mr. G. R. M. Rao: | Director (VRDE) |
| Mr. Prateek Kishore: | DG (ACE) |
| Dr. (Ms) Chandrika Kaushik: | DS & DG (PC&SI) |
| Mr. Amit Kalyani: | VC & JMD of Bharat Forge Ltd |
| Additional Participants: | Senior Indian Army officials and industry representatives |
Technical Achievements and Capabilities
Dr. Samir V. Kamat emphasized that the project demonstrates the effectiveness of the DCPP model in combining DRDO's expertise with industry partners' scale to accelerate platform design and development. Mr. Amit Kalyani highlighted that the Vikram represents a feat of systems engineering, integrating a ruggedised vehicle chassis with an unmanned turret system.
The AAP-Wh achieved its rapid development timeline through continuous engagement and joint problem-solving between all partners. This collaborative approach enabled the transformation from initial concept to a fully combat-ready platform in an unprecedented timeframe of under three years.
Regulatory Approvals and Market Readiness
The Vikram VT 21 has successfully cleared the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) for WH-AFV and FICV of the Ministry of Defence, positioning it for potential deployment with the Indian Armed Forces. This regulatory approval also opens opportunities for adaptation to meet the evolving needs of both domestic forces and the global export market.
Strategic Commitment and Future Outlook
Bharat Forge and its wholly owned defence subsidiary, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), have reaffirmed their commitment to continued partnership with DRDO. The collaboration is driven by the purpose of creating new strategic capabilities for India, with the company prepared to address the Indian Armed Forces' changing requirements through enhanced in-house design and technology capacities to align with futuristic needs for an Atmanirbhar and Sashakt Bharat.
Historical Stock Returns for Bharat Forge
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -1.37% | -1.13% | +9.07% | +42.31% | +65.93% | +211.16% |
What is the potential order size and revenue impact for Bharat Forge if the Indian Armed Forces proceed with large-scale procurement of the Vikram VT 21 platforms?
How might this successful DCPP model collaboration influence future defense contracts and partnerships between DRDO and private manufacturers?
What export opportunities could emerge for the Vikram VT 21 platforms in international markets, particularly among India's strategic defense partners?


































