The wheeled variant of the Vikram VT-21, the next-generation infantry combat vehicle (ICV) being developed for the Indian Army, has met its operational requirements in development trials, including mobility, trench crossing and amphibious ability with the turret fitted. It was developed by DRDO’s Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), Ahilyanagar, with Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Bharat Forge Limited and support from several MSMEs. A tracked variant is being tested in parallel. Both carry an indigenous 30 mm unmanned turret, so the crew stays inside the protected hull. The prototypes were unveiled on 25 April 2026. The Army will next run user trials in deserts, plains and high-altitude areas. Induction is targeted for 2029, subject to trials and Army acceptance. The vehicles are meant to replace the Russian-origin BMP-II, the main ICV of the mechanised infantry since the 1980s.
Exam concepts
Infantry combat vehicle (ICV): Carries soldiers into battle under armour and also fights with its own guns and missiles, unlike an armoured personnel carrier, which mainly transports troops.
Wheeled vs tracked: Wheeled vehicles are faster on roads; tracked vehicles do better off-road.
DRDO: Works under the Department of Defence Research and Development of the Ministry of Defence.
Programmes: Both Vikram variants have been cleared by the Ministry of Defence’s Technical Evaluation Committee under the wheeled armoured fighting vehicle and Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) programmes.
Key facts for quick revision
- Developer: VRDE, Ahilyanagar (DRDO), with Tata Advanced Systems and Bharat Forge
- Armament: indigenous 30 mm unmanned turret
- Prototypes unveiled: 25 April 2026
- Induction target: 2029; replaces BMP-II
Source: The Times of India
