India’s DRDO has introduced a new indigenous armored vehicle platform that could replace the Indian Army’s ageing BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle fleet. Developed by the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment, the Advanced Armoured Platform is available in both tracked and wheeled forms. Current indigenous content is around 65 percent, with plans to increase this to 90 percent over time. The project supports India’s broader self-reliance goals in defense manufacturing. Built in partnership with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, the platform carries a domestically developed 30mm unmanned turret armed with a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and anti-tank guided missiles. It is powered by a high-performance engine and automatic transmission that provide strong mobility and a favorable power-to-weight ratio. Protection levels are rated at modular STANAG Level 4 to 5 blast and ballistic standards. The vehicle is also amphibious, with optional hydro-jet enhancements for improved water operations. The system is being proposed under the Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle program, which aims to replace BMP-2 vehicles introduced during the 1980s. Other Indian contenders include Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra Defence Systems, and Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited. While an earlier request suggested a need for 1,750 vehicles, total future demand could rise beyond 3,500 units when all variants and reserve requirements are included.
