The Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, has firmly stated that the Indian Army prioritises domestically manufactured solutions for its future infantry mobility needs.
While the American-made Stryker armoured vehicle remains a potential candidate, the General emphasised that indigenous platforms will take precedence if they meet the military's operational standards.
Preference for 'Atmanirbhar' Solutions
During a recent evaluation of modern wheeled armoured combat vehicles, General Dwivedi addressed the ongoing speculation regarding the procurement of the US-origin Stryker.He clarified that the Stryker family of vehicles is indeed being examined as part of the Army's broader modernisation strategy. However, he explicitly stated that the final decision will hinge on the capability of the Indian defence industry.
"It is one of the options, but we will prefer an indigenous option if available," General Dwivedi remarked.
This statement signals a clear policy direction: foreign imports will only be considered as a stopgap measure if local manufacturers cannot deliver the required technology or numbers within the necessary timeline.
This approach aligns seamlessly with the government's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative, which seeks to reduce dependency on foreign military hardware.
The Indigenous Contenders: DRDO and Private Sector
India has made significant strides in developing its own ecosystem for wheeled armoured platforms. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), an 8x8 vehicle designed to meet the specific needs of the Indian armed forces.The WhAP program is a collaborative effort involving private sector giants such as Tata Advanced Systems and Mahindra Defence.
Unlike many global off-the-shelf options, the Indian WhAP has been engineered with specific capabilities, such as amphibious operations (the ability to float and travel across water), which is a crucial requirement for certain Indian terrains.
The platform has already undergone rigorous trials and is being progressively tailored to suit various combat roles, including reconnaissance and infantry transport.
The US Stryker Proposition
The Stryker, manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems, is a battle-tested 8x8 armoured fighting vehicle used extensively by the US Army.It is known for its high speed, network-centric warfare capabilities, and modular design, which allows it to be configured for different missions—from medical evacuation to fire support.
In recent high-level defence dialogues between New Delhi and Washington, the US has offered to co-produce the Stryker in India. This proposal involves the transfer of technology and joint manufacturing, intended to fill the capability gap for rapid-reaction forces.
However, critics argue that investing in the Stryker might duplicate efforts and undermine the progress made by the indigenous WhAP program.
Strategic Requirement for Mobility
The Indian Army's urgency to acquire wheeled armoured vehicles stems from the tactical lessons learned during the standoff in Eastern Ladakh.Unlike traditional tracked tanks, wheeled vehicles offer superior strategic mobility; they can be deployed rapidly over long distances via road networks without requiring heavy transporters.
General Dwivedi's comments highlight a long-term strategic vision. By choosing domestic platforms, the Army secures not just the hardware, but also the ability to modify systems, integrate indigenous weaponry, and ensure lifecycle support without being subject to foreign sanctions or supply chain disruptions.
The Army is expected to continue its assessment of both foreign and domestic options, but the message from the top is clear: if the Indian industry can deliver, the Army will buy Indian.
