DRDO Pioneers Indigenous Lightweight Armor for WhAP 8×8 Wheeled Platform

Add-on-armour-components.jpg


In a significant advancement for India's defence capabilities, the DRDO has successfully developed a lightweight add-on composite armor system designed specifically for the WhAP 8×8 wheeled armored platform.

This innovative technology substantially improves the vehicle's survivability and marks a crucial step towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The newly developed armor, when integrated with the existing WhAP structure, provides enhanced protection against ballistic threats as defined by STANAG 4569 Levels II and III. This means that Indian soldiers operating these vehicles will be better shielded from a wider range of enemy weaponry.

A key highlight of this development is that the entire armor system, from materials to manufacturing processes and testing methodologies, has been developed indigenously. This achievement reduces India's reliance on foreign suppliers and fosters a robust domestic defence ecosystem.

Recognizing the dynamic nature of battlefield threats, the DRDO has adopted a modular design approach for the armor. This allows for easy modifications to the WhAP's level of protection without requiring extensive structural changes to the vehicle itself. Such adaptability is crucial in responding to evolving security challenges.

Beyond development, the DRDO has established comprehensive testing procedures to validate the effectiveness of the armor system. They have also partnered with Indian industries to set up production lines capable of meeting the anticipated demand for this vital equipment.

A limited number of armor sets have already been produced and successfully integrated not only on WhAP vehicles but also on other platforms, highlighting the versatility of this technology.

Moreover, the DRDO is actively offering Transfer of Technology (ToT) to a wider range of Indian industries, encouraging broader adoption and domestic production.

This development comes as a major boost to the Indian Armed Forces and represents a significant milestone in the nation's pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology. The DRDO's lightweight add-on composite armor is a testament to India's growing prowess in defence innovation and manufacturing.
 
Considering the way the tanks, AFVs, WHaPs, APCs, etc in Ukraine-Russian war, the armor padding of AFVs is a real God given gift and game changer for Indian Army deployments.

Hope that it is well tested.
 
Army managed to import Stryker, whap has only curtailed production numbers.
 
Army managed to import Stryker, whap has only curtailed production numbers.
The army haven’t ordered any Stryker vehicles at all and won’t. There is an import ban so we will develop and use our armoured vehicles.
 
Don't bother DRDO... IA will go for Stryker.. imported things have a special aroma & taste..
 
It’s great that they have developed a quick and easy way to increase the vehicle protection as it saves money and fuel when they don’t need to use that add on armour.

One key change is that they need to develop a better and more powerful gun and turret. Automatic tracking, remote machine gun, ATGM, grenade launcher etc.
 
The army haven’t ordered any Stryker vehicles at all and won’t. There is an import ban so we will develop and use our armoured vehicles.
US is already giving statement that Stryker is done deal. Most probably, it will happen at the cost of whap.
And regarding, asmi and Taurus t9, both are declared as parallel acquisition efforts. Both will be procured since they are parallel efforts.
 
DRDO , Mahindra & Tata doing everything but Army wants to give a order of Stryker according to the reports it is almost confirmed that a small number of around 10 strykers will be acquired for benchmarking 🙄

When we have already seen the specifications and performance of Tata Kestrel and Stryker , sometimes you have to bend your knees infront of Superpowers to please them..

Just like the M9Q deal where Army & Airforce aren't interested for a drone that has a price tag of 100 million..
 

Forum statistics

Threads
3,629
Messages
35,056
Members
2,160
Latest member
Supreet Singh
Back
Top