Source : Indian Defence Updates (IDU)
Mahindra-DRDO WhAP set to undergo user trials
In a significant development within the Indian defense sector, Mahindra Defense, in close collaboration with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), is on the cusp of initiating user trials for its pioneering Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) variant.
Derived from the foundational design of the TATA-DRDO WhAP variant, Mahindra’s iteration introduces a range of distinctive and advanced features, further enhancing its tactical utility and operational versatility. It is noteworthy that concurrently, Larsen and Toubro (L&T) are poised to unveil their own WhAP variant by the end of 2023.
The impending user trials hold paramount significance, as they will serve as the litmus test for the WhAP variants developed by Mahindra, TATA, and Larsen and Toubro (L&T). The Indian Army, known for its lengthy evaluation and trial processes, will test all these vehicles meticulously, aiming to select the most adept and technologically superior WhAP to bolster its armored column.
Beyond the indigenous offerings from Mahindra, TATA, and L&T, the Indian Army’s assessment will extend to the Terrex3 Infantry Carrier Vehicle, a formidable contender presented by Bharat Forge Kalyani group and ST Engineering of Singapore in a joint bid. The outcome of these comprehensive evaluations will ultimately pave the way for a substantial procurement order, positioning the chosen WhAP variant as a workhorse of Indian Army mechanized columns especially in mountainous regions.
In summary, the forthcoming user trials mark a pivotal juncture in the evolution of India’s armored capabilities, with Mahindra Defense’s WhAP variant poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s mechanized infantry landscape. The collaborative efforts between Indian defense manufacturers and the rigorous scrutiny of the Indian Army underscore the nation’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities and ensuring the security of its borders.
