VIKRAM VT-21 Infantry Combat Vehicle: Features, Specifications, and India’s Next-Gen Armoured Power

Explore the VIKRAM VT-21 Infantry Combat Vehicle, India’s next-generation armoured platform. Learn about its features, specifications, firepower, mobility, and role in modern warfare.

Table of Contents

Context

India is developing the Vikram VT-21 under DRDO to replace ageing BMP-2 vehicles.

About Vikram VT-21

Developed by DRDO as an Advanced Armoured Platform (AAP) for future infantry combat needs.
Variants: Two versions—wheeled (faster, urban use) and tracked (better off-road, rough terrain), enabling flexibility across terrains.
Firepower System: Equipped with 30 mm crewless turret (remote-operated) + 62 mm PKT machine gun + Nag ATGM (anti-tank missile) for precision strikes against armoured targets.
Protection Level: Provides STANAG Level 4–5 armour protection(NATO defined standard), against heavy gunfire, blasts and shrapnel.
Amphibious Capability: Can cross rivers and water bodies using hydro jets and water propulsion systems.
Modular Design: Can be adapted for troop transport, reconnaissance, combat support and surveillance roles.
Indigenisation: About 65% indigenous content (target ~90%), promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
- Developed with partners like Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, along with MSMEs.

Need for Vikram VT-21

Replacement of Ageing Fleet: Indian Army’s requirement for a Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) stems from the need to replace the ageing BMP-2 fleet (in service since 1980s)
Modern Warfare Requirements: Needed for network-centric warfare where real-time data sharing, sensors and communication are crucial for operations.
Enhanced Combat Capability: Provides improved mobility, protection and firepower for infantry in high-threat environments (e.g. borders with China and Pakistan).

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