Following Setback in Stryker WhAP acquisition due to Canada tensions, Now Russia offers Boomerang WhAP as alternative to India
India's potential acquisition of U.S.-made Stryker wheeled armored vehicles faces uncertainty due to a growing diplomatic rift with Canada, a close ally of Washington. In light of this situation, Russia has stepped in with an alternative: the Boomerang wheeled armored vehicle, which comes without the conditionalities often associated with Western defense equipment, according to a report by Sputnik India.
The Indian Army has previously utilized Russian-made infantry combat vehicles (ICVs) such as the BMP-1 and BMP-2. Recently, India developed an advanced version of the BMP-2, known as Sharath, transforming it into an amphibious vehicle in 2022. Despite this history, India has primarily acquired military equipment from Western nations like the U.S. and France. The acquisition of American Stryker vehicles, produced in Ontario, Canada, is critical for the Indian Army's modernization efforts, especially for its mechanized infantry battalions.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is reportedly preparing to sign a contract to procure 500 new Stryker armored vehicles from General Dynamics Land Systems, a U.S.-based manufacturer. However, the diplomatic strain has intensified after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of interfering in Canadian domestic affairs without presenting substantial evidence. Trudeau himself has admitted that his administration has not shared concrete proof regarding the alleged involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which has further complicated military relations between the two nations.
Given the circumstances, India may reconsider its procurement strategy, potentially opting to acquire critical defense hardware from trusted allies like Russia, which has maintained a longstanding relationship with India and has never intervened in its political matters.
The Russian Boomerang 8×8 VPK 7829 combat vehicle offers two configurations: the 25-ton K17 Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) and the 22-ton K16 amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). Designed to replace older combat vehicles like the BTR-80, the Boomerang features a new chassis, improved ground clearance, enhanced armor, and updated armament.
With an operational range of 800 km, the Boomerang is powered by a 750 HP digitally controlled diesel engine from the Yaroslavl Engine Plant, coupled with an automatic transmission. It can achieve a road speed of 100 km/h and 50 km/h off-road. Additionally, the Boomerang can swim at speeds of five knots (10 km/h) during amphibious operations.
Each vehicle accommodates a crew of three—commander, gunner, and driver—and can carry eight troops along with their combat loads. Unlike the side access doors on the BTR-80, the Boomerang features a rear access ramp similar to Western and BMP-type Russian APCs, with additional access hatches on the top. Both variants are equipped with passive protection, incorporating a mix of steel and composite/ceramic armor. Laser detectors and multi-spectral smoke dischargers provide 'soft' active protection, allowing the vehicle to maneuver under smoke cover to avoid enemy fire. The vehicle is also equipped with multiple cameras for 360-degree visibility.
The K-17 can be outfitted with the Afganit hard-kill countermeasures system, which detects threats and launches countermeasures to intercept anti-tank missiles and projectiles at ranges from 4 to 200 meters. The Boomerang's increased height enhances protection against mine blasts and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), providing space for blast-attenuating seats for crew and passengers.
The K17 variant boasts a remote-controlled turret featuring a 2A42 30mm gun with 500 rounds (160 AP, 340 HE-Frag), capable of engaging ground targets at ranges of 1.5 to 2.0 km and aerial targets such as helicopters at distances up to 2.5 km. The turret supports both semi-automatic and rapid fire modes, allowing for 550 to 600 rounds per minute. Two optronic sights enable the crew to engage multiple targets simultaneously, including launching Kornet missiles alongside conventional fire.
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| A rear view of the K17 Boomerang showing the closed access ramp and swimming thrusters. (Photo: Defense-Update) |
The turret also houses two pairs of Kornet-D anti-tank guided missiles, equipped with tandem high-explosive anti-tank warheads effective against heavily armored targets. Additional weaponry includes a coaxial 7.62 PKT machine gun and the option for a 30mm grenade launcher on top. The K16 variant uses a smaller turret with a 12.7mm machine gun or a 7.62mm coaxial gun.
Comparison: Stryker vs. Boomerang Armored Vehicles
The VPK-7829 Boomerang and the Stryker are both versatile armored vehicles but differ significantly in key areas:
- Mobility: The Stryker is optimized for rapid deployment over long distances, while the Boomerang is amphibious, allowing for water navigation.
- Armament: The Stryker is equipped with a 30mm cannon and a 105mm mobile gun, whereas the Boomerang features a remote-controlled turret with a 30mm cannon, a 7.62mm machine gun, and a Kornet anti-tank missile system.
- Protection: The Stryker's hull combines high-hardness steel with bolt-on ceramic armor, although it is not as heavily armored as tracked vehicles. The Boomerang, with its Afganit countermeasures, offers enhanced protection against direct hits and has amphibious capabilities.
- Crew and Capacity: The Stryker supports a two-person crew and carries a nine-man infantry squad. The Boomerang can accommodate up to nine personnel, including the driver, commander, and gunner.
- Engine: The Stryker utilizes a Caterpillar C7 engine generating 350 horsepower, while the Boomerang is powered by a 750 HP turbocharged diesel engine.
- Top Speed: Both vehicles can reach a maximum speed of around 100 km/h on land, with the Boomerang also able to swim at 10 km/h in water.
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