Indian Army Favors American Stryker Over Indigenous WhAP 8×8 in Armored Vehicle Program

The Indian Army's evaluation of contenders for its 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle program has reportedly hit a roadblock, with sources suggesting a preference for the American Stryker over local offerings, including DRDO's WhAP 8×8. The Army reportedly considers the Stryker a more robust and mature platform compared to indigenous alternatives, citing superior design and protection.

This development contradicts DRDO's claims, which previously positioned their WhAP 8×8 as superior to the Stryker, Fuchs 2, and Piranha 3 based on a comparison chart. However, the Army's assessment seems to prioritize real-world performance over theoretical specifications.

In response to the Army's preference, discussions are underway between the US and India to explore a co-development program for a customized Stryker M1135 variant tailored to meet Indian requirements.

This setback for DRDO's WhAP 8×8 could potentially hinder India's efforts toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing. While the WhAP may have shown theoretical advantages, the Army's practical assessment highlights the importance of proven performance in the field.

The future of India's 8×8 program remains uncertain, with the final decision likely to have a significant impact on both the Army's capabilities and the country's pursuit of indigenous defense solutions.

 

[Praveen Kumar]

I don't know why everyone is speaking ill of DRDO. You have to know that it is the same DRDO which created Agni missiles, Prithvi missile, k series missiles, akash SAM system , Arjun tank , Astra missile and many more.
Not every project can be a success. It is not movie where a hero gets successful overnight.

 

[Rajesh]

$4.9 millions per each Stryker.
Too expensive for Indian budgets so go with every imaginable Indian Private and Public products and keep improving them.
Not worth it as they are also getting destroyed in Ukraine.

Yes they have to cover all the commission to the product cost like how France did cover the rafale watches cost with the rafale jets and not providing any tot . This is the atmanirbhar policy of our govt and forces,can't do anything because defense deals are like a pot of honey and nobody can resist licking it.

 

[Devasahayam]

Because that imported Nano (Stryker) offers plenty of opporunity for bribes whereas indigenous Ciaz (WhAP) doesn't.