Mumbai: In a significant milestone for India’s indigenous defence capabilities, VIKRAM VT 21 was showcased as part of a successful collaboration between the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
The VIKRAM VT 21 Advanced Armoured Platform, along with a 30mm Unmanned Turret, reflects a new generation of combat systems designed for enhanced mobility, survivability, and firepower.
The VIKRAM VT 21 platform, designed by the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) and developed and manufactured by Tata Advanced Systems with VRDE support, was completed in a record time of under 30 months.
The prototypes of VIKRAM VT 21 and the turret were flagged off by DRDO on April 25, 2026, at the Vehicle Dynamic Test Track, National Centre for Automotive Testing (NCAT).
The event witnessed the presence of Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman, DRDO and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, along with senior leadership across DRDO, including the Director, VRDE, and scientists from multiple DRDO laboratories.
The demonstration of VIKRAM VT 21 marked a key achievement under the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) framework.
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Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, said: “This development project has created a new benchmark in Tata Advanced Systems and DRDO collaboration, both in terms of time to completion and quality of systems provided.”
The VIKRAM VT 21 programme highlights the strong partnership between Tata Advanced Systems and DRDO, with Tata Advanced Systems serving as a strategic partner in the project led by DRDO’s VRDE.
As part of this initiative, the VIKRAM VT 21 integrates a 30mm Unmanned Turret jointly developed by both organisations.
This turret is an advanced weapon platform designed for armoured personnel carriers, enabling precise targeting and enhanced firepower while ensuring operators remain safely within the vehicle hull.
Prior to the flag-off, the VIKRAM VT 21 and turret successfully underwent rigorous mobility trials at NCAT, VRDE, with additional trials expected to follow.
Tata Advanced Systems has developed the VIKRAM VT 21 Advanced Armoured Platform to support future-ready, mobile, and survivable combat systems for the Indian Armed Forces.
The platform reinforces the company’s role in strengthening India’s defence ecosystem and enhancing indigenous capabilities.
Advanced Armoured Platform VIKRAM VT 21: Key Features
The VIKRAM VT 21 represents a new generation of combat vehicles designed with a focus on enhanced mobility, modularity, and crew survivability.
Developed in close collaboration with DRDO, the VIKRAM VT 21 integrates advanced automotive systems, high mobility architecture, and provisions for next-generation combat capabilities, including crewless operations.
The platform has undergone extensive mobility trials at DRDO’s National Centre for Automotive Testing (NCAT), demonstrating robust performance across varied terrains and operational conditions.
The VIKRAM VT 21 is expected to play a crucial role in modernising India’s armoured vehicle capabilities.
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About Tata Advanced Systems Limited
Tata Advanced Systems Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is a key player in India’s aerospace and defence sector.
The company offers integrated solutions across aerostructures and aeroengines, airborne platforms and systems, defence and security, and land mobility solutions.
With a strong portfolio of global partnerships and joint ventures, Tata Advanced Systems plays an integral role in international aerospace and defence supply chains.
The company is equipped to deliver end-to-end solutions across the value chain – from design to full platform assembly – and is actively engaged in advanced technologies including missiles, radars, unmanned aerial systems, artillery systems, command and control solutions, optronics, and homeland security.
