DRDO-Tata WhAp 'Kestrel' might finally see the Production floor
Source : RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.
Jointly Developed by TATA-Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with the support of UK-based defense firm Supacat. Last seen in 2020 carrying high-altitude trials along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). India’s very own Wheeled infantry combat vehicle might finally enter production as Army Owned WhAp that has traveled length and breadth of the country in various trials over the years, finally seems to have impressed Top Generals In the Army who are a bit hard to impress when it comes to indigenous products.
WhAp is pegged at 23 crores per unit cost that is 30-50% Cheaper than Western Infantry Carrier Vehicle in its segment but also gives the option to the user to be adapted for different requirements and various configurations as proposed by the TATA. idrw.org has been told that small-scale orders for the WhAp might be cleared sometime next year.
The Indian Army earlier this year had issued a Request For Information (RFI) for the procurement of 1,750 Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICVs) in a phased manner to replace the 1980s vintage Russian-origin BMP-2 infantry vehicles in service. As the formal induction of the system into the Army is not expected before the 2028-30 period thus creating some opportunity for small-scale production of the DRDO-Tata WhAp even though it is participating in the tender process with its bids.
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