DRDO Upgrades WhAP 8×8 APC with Konkurs-M Anti-Tank Guided Missile and Modified BMP-2 Turret

In a move to bolster India's indigenous armored vehicle capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has significantly upgraded its WhAP 8×8 armored personnel carrier (APC).

The modified WhAP now features a BMP-2 turret and is armed with the potent Konkurs-M anti-tank guided missile (ATGM), substantially increasing its offensive firepower.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1831569110511067378

The integration of the BMP-2 turret, renowned for its reliability and firepower, equips the WhAP with a 30mm autocannon and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, enabling it to effectively engage both infantry and light armored vehicles.

Furthermore, the addition of the Konkurs-M ATGM, known for its extended range and formidable penetration capabilities, dramatically enhances the WhAP's capacity to neutralize enemy tanks and other heavily armored threats.

This successful integration of advanced weaponry into the WhAP platform underscores the DRDO's prowess in vehicle design and modification. The WhAP's modular design facilitates easy customization, allowing it to be adapted to meet diverse operational requirements.

This significant upgrade to the WhAP 8×8 APC represents a critical step in enhancing India's military capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign-made armored vehicles. The DRDO's successful integration of the BMP-2 turret and Konkurs-M ATGM is a testament to its ability to develop and produce world-class military equipment.

As the WhAP 8×8 APC continues to evolve, it is poised to play a pivotal role in India's future military operations. By providing crucial support to infantry units and bolstering the nation's overall defense capabilities, the upgraded WhAP is a testament to India's commitment to self-reliance in defense technology.

 

[Thanos]

Instead of that old bmp turret they should add something modern and a rcws by which the shooter can remain hidden, it is not gud to merge new tech with decades old tech.

 

[Taus Melek]

What is so innovative about sticking a out dated russion bmp turret and anti tank missile on this apc. How much time, money and samosas were spent before DODO came up with this idea!

 

[Praveen]

I really don't know what's in the mind of the guys in drdo is going on. They put this useless bmp-2 turret in all patrol crafts of coast guard already. Now they are doing this stupid thing. They could have done better. We already have our own ATGM why put foreign thing. We also have 40mm autocannon too. Atleast put the 76mm oto melera gun in the new turret with two ATGM on one side and two MANPADS on the other side they could atleast provide some protection against drones.

 

[Anant]

I really don't know what's in the mind of the guys in drdo is going on. They put this useless bmp-2 turret in all patrol crafts of coast guard already. Now they are doing this stupid thing. They could have done better. We already have our own ATGM why put foreign thing. We also have 40mm autocannon too. Atleast put the 76mm oto melera gun in the new turret with two ATGM on one side and two MANPADS on the other side they could atleast provide some protection against drones.

The OTO Melara 76mm gun on a small IFV would be too much due to the size of the turret. What we need is a simple 76mm gun. Also, the ICG needs to get away from their fascination of 30mm autocannons only, and put a 76mm gun plus 2 30mm guns on the larger patrol ships.

 

[INDIAN]

Why use BMP2 turret its so old designed, don't know what DRDO and Indian army babus are thinking.
We should put a new turret and make different variants of this WHAP , one variant with 30 mm gun , another with 105 mm gun like the light tank Zorawar , if its can be added in Zorawar then what preventing use here also.
I think there is lack of intent and confidence from Indian army for DRDO weapons , and also lack of coordination among them.
And as Indian poltical class don't understand and don't have any strategic vision regarding our Armed forces , our defence babus take them for a ride. We are truly a Viswaguru.
And also we are taking about Importing Stryker WHAP from America even when our own DRDO whap is ready.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

A heavier Indian or Russian Kornet E missile one of the worlds best should be installed . Some models can be planned with a 57 mm turret .

 

[Sandeep]

This is a very good APC with a strong amount of fire power. The vehicle itself gives a lot of protection from the large calibre bullets and explosions.

For now it’s ok to use the BMP 2 turret as it allows the vehicle to enter service very quickly as it already has a 30mm canon, remote machine gun, automatic grenade launcher, ATGM etc.

While temporarily using that old turret India needs to 100% indigenously design, develop and manufacture a brand new turret in India with Indian content. At the same time we could use the new turret on the BMP vehicles when we need to upgrade them.

 

[NSR]

Convert as many BMPs to BMP-2s in thousands and ship them to the borders to face two enemies.

Enhanced BMP-2s are better than nothing at all.

 

[Rajesh]

I really don't know what's in the mind of the guys in drdo is going on. They put this useless bmp-2 turret in all patrol crafts of coast guard already. Now they are doing this stupid thing. They could have done better. We already have our own ATGM why put foreign thing. We also have 40mm autocannon too. Atleast put the 76mm oto melera gun in the new turret with two ATGM on one side and two MANPADS on the other side they could atleast provide some protection against drones.

Oto melara guns r heavy for this 25ton platform . They were used in italian anti aircraft tanks which was over 40 + tons.really agree that the bmp2 turret and 30mm gun is outdated esp since amerika are moving with 50mm ,france/germany their 40mm along with russia 57mm guns. Russian has a unmanned turret with 57mm gun on a bmp3 chasis along with 4 antitank missile. These 57mm guns are also used in their smaller patrol vessel. Hope this is a temporary adjustment and they will move on and wish kalyani comes with such a gun system.