Bharat-Forge Secures WhAP ToT, Set to Join Tata and Mahindra in Armoured Vehicle Production

In a significant boost to India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, Bharat-Forge has secured the Transfer of Technology (ToT) for the WhAP 8×8 wheeled armored platform.

This strategic move positions Bharat-Forge as the third company, following Tata and Mahindra, to gain access to this advanced technology, as confirmed by G. Ramamohana Rao, Director of the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE).

The WhAP platform, designed for a range of military and paramilitary applications, offers a versatile foundation for developing specialized armored vehicles.

Tata and Mahindra have already demonstrated their commitment to this platform, showcasing second-generation WhAP models that incorporate valuable feedback from the Indian Army and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Bharat-Forge's entry into this arena is expected to further diversify the options available to potential customers, including the armed forces.

With its expertise in automotive manufacturing and a focus on innovation, Bharat-Forge aims to integrate its unique strengths into its WhAP design, including its Integrated Power Pack, Automatic Transmission, Floatation, and Propulsion systems.

The company's first locally manufactured WhAP vehicles are anticipated to be unveiled later this year.

This development underscores the growing momentum in India's defence sector, with a focus on self-reliance and the development of cutting-edge technologies.

Bharat-Forge's participation in the WhAP program is expected to contribute significantly to this endeavor, strengthening the nation's defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem.

 

[Bard of Anarchy]

Production and induction in large nos when?

 

[Raj]

I think Bharat forge will integrate weapons 105mm gun, other artillery I guess.

 

[NSR]

Extremely wonderful news to know that the private companies like TATA and Mahindra came forward and also made good WhAPs too and also incorporated the Indian Army feedback.

Now Baba Kalyani Bharat Forge has joined and it will be great for competition and improving the WhAPs.

Good things will come out of it.

I definitely recommend establishing a second Tejas IA production lines with TATA, Mahindra or L&T to make HAL sweat and run to change its work culture in a hurry.
It will be a do or die situation for HAL for sure.

 

[Neal.B]

Installing DEW in such vehicles could be a viable option.

 

[Sos]

This version looks much more mature design imo
Earlier version were very very similar to Chinese 1st indigenous ifv externally
(both looked horrible atleast in design )

 

[Sridhar]

Installing DEW in such vehicles could be a viable option.

DEW is still WIP for many countries.

 

[Hey]

Production and induction in large nos when?

Tender hasn't been out , They are evaluating STRYKER that's why there is a pause.

 

[Sandeep]

It’s better that we provide these vehicles to many different type of companies so that the competition will drive down production costs and we can test the vehicles capabilities and technology.

With these vehicles we can use it as a IFV, APC, SAM and even as a light tank. We can arm them with different types of turrets like a 30mm main cannon gun, remote machine guns, ATGM, night/thermal imaging, NERA/ERA, EW, anti drone device with soft and hard kill option, active protection system, add on different type of additional armour plates, smoke grenades, vehicle computer, anti fire system, vehicle health monitor, LCD touch screen etc. We can also install the 105mm main turret gun that we are developing. We can install a short range SAM with radar systems to protect our armoured vehicles and infantry while we are on the move. There’s a broad range in what we can develop on these vehicles.