India May Weigh US Stryker Deal Over Superior Indigenous Alternatives Like DRDO WhAP Amidst Trump Administration Pressure

India May Weigh US Stryker Deal Over Superior Indigenous Alternatives Like DRDO WhAP Amidst Trump Administration Pressure


The potential sale of US Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) to India is facing renewed attention under the Trump administration, despite the emergence of a potentially superior indigenous alternative, the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

This situation highlights the complex interplay of strategic considerations, technological advancements, and diplomatic pressures influencing India's defence procurement decisions.

The Stryker, manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems, has been considered by India for bolstering its mechanized infantry, particularly along its borders with China and Pakistan.

The US government has actively promoted this deal, emphasizing its potential to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries, including defence cooperation and technology sharing.

The proposal involves not only the sale of Strykers but also the establishment of a manufacturing base in India, aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative. However, this would likely involve significant US oversight and technology transfer.

Meanwhile, the DRDO's WhAP has emerged as a strong contender, showcasing superior capabilities in key areas. Unlike the standard Stryker, WhAP is amphibious, a crucial feature for navigating India's diverse terrain, including strategically important water bodies.

Additionally, WhAP boasts a more powerful engine, making it better suited for high-altitude deployments like Ladakh, where power-to-weight ratio is critical.

Its modular design allows for various configurations, from troop transport to command and control, offering flexibility comparable to, or even exceeding, the Stryker.

Moreover, local production of WhAP could prove more cost-effective, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and bolstering India's domestic defence industry.

Despite WhAP's technical advantages, the final decision may be swayed by geopolitical factors. The Trump administration, while emphasizing strategic partnerships, has also shown a willingness to leverage arms sales for diplomatic gains. India, seeking to balance its relationships with both the US and Russia, might view the Stryker deal as a means to strengthen ties with Washington.

This situation presents India with a crucial choice: prioritize self-reliance in defence through indigenous development or enhance strategic relations with the US through arms purchases.

The upcoming high-level meetings between the two countries could provide further insight into India's defence procurement strategy and the potential outcome of the Stryker deal.
 
Anything we need to buy, we need Bell V-280 Valor that will be replacing V-22 osprey, 10 more P8’s, 24 more MH-60R, 2 squadrons of Chinooks and a squadron of Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopters.
 
Instead it should have push for F-35 & 110 kN Engine development partner for AMCA, second if WhAP is designed to operate in water & if this feature is absent in stryker which is crucial for operation despite this why WhAP till date it is not awarded contract Trump should not dump unwanted Garbage they should dump this in Ukraine, First supply GE-404 as it is almost delayed by 18 months
 
For this purchase lets not buy any junk let US fulfill what is already purchased like GE-414 engine complete that delivery on time and than lets talk.
 
India should push US to deliver what is already ordered before going for any new deal. Stryker should be brought in limited quantity without any local manufacturing, while Whap should be ordered in huge numbers.
 
Buy something else from the US... why Stryker only when we have Whap?
Well so far IA has not released even a single statement regarding Stryker and people are abusing them. On the other hand, a dedicated tender for the vehicles under IDDM (which means only vehicles designed and manufactured in India) has already been released and is currently under process with the MoD.
 
India should push US to deliver what is already ordered before going for any new deal. Stryker should be brought in limited quantity without any local manufacturing, while Whap should be ordered in huge numbers.
Once you let Stryker in then DRDO WhAP project will be sabotaged 100%
 
Time to see whether we mean what we say when we talk about Atmanirbharta! WhaP being a better, cheaper, Indian designed and built platform that is already in service (and also bought by other countries, namely Algeria) must be bought in greater numbers and not the Stryker. It’s a no brainer. If they buy Stryker then it will not only be a pity as far as this equipment class goes, but also lead to a loss of credibility of government and loss of confidence among all those who are working hard on other key programs in India.
 
Anything we need to buy, we need Bell V-280 Valor that will be replacing V-22 osprey, 10 more P8’s, 24 more MH-60R, 2 squadrons of Chinooks and a squadron of Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopters.
Um, if I may, I'd modify your numbers to maybe 8 P-8Is, 36 MH-60Rs, another 35 or so CH-47s, and maybe skip the CH-53Ks, or go for another 10 CH-47s and 25 CH-53Ks.
 
Why not buy something else instead of Stryker? There could be many other items that our Armed Forces may be wanting, and the USA could provide them. Anyway, India must get a firm guarantee for the supply of GE engines as contracted before any new deal is signed. Let us make much of Trump's wishes and desires for the sale of military hardware to India. Have a decent deal with him, and he will appreciate it too!
 
Anything we need to buy, we need Bell V-280 Valor that will be replacing V-22 osprey, 10 more P8’s, 24 more MH-60R, 2 squadrons of Chinooks and a squadron of Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopters.
This time around I also want offensive weapons from USA too. 2 of them in particular.

1) AGM-88 HARM - Newest Variant for Anti Radiation missile. This missile could be our backup to Rudram in case rudram fails. AGM 88 can be fitted to P8I readily. Also could be fitted to Rafale with french and us help. French doesn't have an option for anti radiation missile so this is best idea. They have even fitted AGM -88 onto ukranian Mig 29.

2) AGM-158C LRASM - This is the newest stealthy anti ship cruise missile that would fit on P8I.
 
Buy something else from the US instead of Strykers, say for instance additional Chinooks for the Northern borders.
 

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