The DRDO Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), also known as Tata Kestrel is a family of eight-wheeled armoured personnel carriers developed by Tata Advanced Systems and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is being developed to replace ageing armoured personnel carriers in service with the Indian Army.^[5][1]

A CBRN variant of the vehicle is being developed by Mahindra Defence Systems.^[6]

The Tata Motors reportedly won a bid for the development of an Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) in 2012 beating competitors including Larsen & Toubro and Timoney Technology Limited of Ireland. DRDO funded 50% of the project and introduced the tentatve technical specifications of the product. The cost of the vehicle was expected to be around ₹23 crore (equivalent to ₹32 crore or US$3.7 million in 2023). The vehicle after completing the development within 18 months underwent initial mobility trials in early 2014, amphibious trials with hydrojet trials in the summer of 2015 and firing trials in October 2015. This was followed by extreme weather summer trials at Pokhran, Rajasthan in 2016.^[7][8]

During DefExpo 2014 exhibition in February at New Delhi, Tata Kestrel was introduced as an indigenous Wheeled Armoured Amphibious Platform concept with a eight-wheel drive configuration. The vehicle was developed in cooperation with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) based on modular designs to incorporate further upgrades efficiently.^[9][10][11] The vehicle on display in 2014 was equipped with two Kongsberg supplied weapon mounts.^[12]

Kestrel equipped with BMP-2 turret was introduced and demonstrated at DefExpo 2016.^[13][8]

The vehicle, renamed as WhAP Infantry Combat Vehicle with a BMP-2 turret was again displayed at DefExpo 2018. WhAP with BMP-2 also participated in live public demonstrations during the exhibition.^[14] DRDO also exhibited a WhAP configured with UT30MK2 unmanned turret from Elbit Systems.^[15][16][17]

DRDO WhAP 8×8 Amphibious Wheeled Armoured Vehicle is being developed as a common platform for various vehicle type like Wheeled APC, 30 mm Infantry Combat Vehicle, 105 mm Light Tank, command post vehicle, ambulance, special purpose platform, 120 mm mortar carrier, CBRN Vehicle based on the same chassis of Kestrel.^[18]

In October 2019, the Indian Ministry of Defence reportedly cleared the Kestrel for production and export to friendly nations.^[8] Later the same year, the Indian Army issued an RFI to acquire 198 wheeled (8×8) armoured fighting vehicles for to replace BRDM-2 and equip reconnaissance and support regiments of the mechanised infantry and operate in the plains of Punjab and Rajasthan as well as riverine terrains.^[19]

The DRDO WhAP was exhibited in the Delhi Republic Day parade 2023 as a "a modular 8×8 wheeled combat platform" upon a 70 tonne trailer. The vehicle shown was the Armoured Personnel Carrier variant with composite armour, 30 mm turret (BMP-2) and "cutting-edge blast protection".^[20]

DRDO WhAP is designed for modern day warfare and features design philosophies of modularity, scalability and reconfigurability to adopt the platform for variety of roles. The vehicle was designed to adapt to the needs of armoured personnel carrier (APC) for United Nation missions in addition to various other roles using its modular design. The vehicle has been developed into two distinct sections — the base hull and the modular mission payload. The latter can be modified as per the user-specific requirements. This approach was chosen to reduce development time and cost and hence a number of variants can be developed from a single hull design easing logistics and maintenance.^[4]

The vehicle has been fitted with INS and GPS as its primary navigation equipment and is also fitted with Modular (UHF, VHF, HF) communication systems.^[21]

The 8×8 wheel configuration is set on a hydropneumatic suspension utilizing double wishbone arrangement. All wheels have run flat capability to allow the vehicle to move even after suffering punctures. There are four axles, the front axle is steerable which minimizes the turning radius of the vehicle.

The vehicle can carry 10 to 12 persons. The driver is seated in the front right beside the engine compartment while the stick commander is seated behind the driver. The gunner and commander is placed in the turret. The troop compartment in the rear hosts six soldiers featuring a back-to-back seating arrangement with the soldiers facing outward with three on each side. Anti-blast suspended seats are installed to absorb any shocks and secondary slams, reducing brain and spinal injuries. Every soldier has access to a periscope and a firing port each. The vehicle is equipped with a rear-door ramp for "embarking and disembarking" of troops and two escape hatches. Fuel tanks are placed outside the troop compartment for additional safety.^[4][22][10]

DRDO WhAP incorporates the Integrated Power Pack (IPP) backed by a 600 hp (450 kW) diesel engine placed on the front left for high power-to-weight ratio for high-altitude operations in mountainous terrains. The IPP includes cutting-edge technology like a fully automatic transmission with a retarder and an engine cooling system with fans powered by hydraulic motors. The power pack now offers the new feature of exhaust gas dilution for a lower thermal signature.^[4]

For developmental purpose, the WhAP is powered by the Cummins ISX 600 turbocharger engine.^[1][23] The vehicle is capable of amphibious operations up to a weight of 24 tonnes and is equipped with an anti-surge vane with its hydraulic actuation system to divert the oncoming water flow. Hydrojets in the rear helps in propulsion in the water.^[4] The vehicle can achieve a speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) on land and 10 km/h (6.2 mph) on water.^[22]

The engine would be replaced by an indigenous option. As reported in December 2021, Ashok Leyland has partnered with Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) under the DRDO to design, develop and produce a 600-hp indigenous engine for the DRDO WhAP. As per the reports the prototype engine has been manufactured and will undergo rigorous testing in the lab and will be qualified for application in armoured fighting vehicles (AFV). Series production is scheduled to begin after operational start-up. The testing was inaugurated in the Engine Development Centre, Ashok Leyland, Vellivoyalchavadi, near Chennai.^[3][24]

The hull floor is further strengthened to defeat mines and similar explosives. The seats are attached to the roof for improved blast protection. The glacis plate is very shallow, and the fuel tank is mounted outside the vehicle to improve survivability.^[4]

The vehicle has been designed to provide protection against land mines. It ranges from Stanag 4569 Level I to Level IV with the hull being designed with protection up to Stanag Level III.^[25] The hull configuration evolved follows a 'V’-type bottom with double configuration consisting of an inner panel and bottom panel. The bottom panel is designed to deflect the blast energy and get deformed to minimize the blast effects.^[4]

The Tata-DRDO WhAP or Kestrel has been unveiled in multiple weapon configurations.

• Configuration 1 (2014): Roof-mounted remote controlled Kongsberg Protector MCT-30R (RWS) equipped with a 30×113 mm autocannon (effective range of 3,000 m), 7.62×51 mm coaxial machine gun and two Javelin anti-tank guided missile launcher with an option for a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.^[12][26][27]
• Configuration 2 (2016): BMP-2 turret equipped with a 30 mm 2A42 autocannon and 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun (2,000 rounds) mounted to the left of the cannon. The version is also fitted with an ATGM launcher.^[14][27]
• Configuration 3 (2018): Elbit Systems UT30MK2 unmanned turret equipped with Mk44 Bushmaster II, a 7.62 coaxial gun and an integrated anti-tank guided missile carrier launcher.^[28][29][30]
• IPMV configuration: 7.62mm remote controlled medium machine gun.^[31]

During a Defence Exhibition held at Pune on 24 February 2024, Mahindra Defence unveiled a second generation Amphibious 8×8 CBRN variant of WhAP (Wheeled Armoured Platform) developed with DRDO.^[32] As of August 2024, the vehicle is undergoing trials with the Army on various terrains.

The design is compact includes a 600 hp diesel engine and enhanced armour. It implements a STANAG II level protection from blast as well. The crew configuration is 3+8. While the TATA variant employs a 30 mm turret, this variant is fitted with 7.62 mm calibre remote controlled machine guns. It has a maximum speed of 95 km/h on road, 35 km/h off road and 8 km/h in water (using hydrojets). It has a range of 500 km and power-to-weight ratio of 24 hp/tonne.^[33][34]

As tensions continue to escalate between India and China over the de facto Line of Actual Control, DRDO-TATA Kestrel (WhAP), landed at Ladakh to undergo cold-weather trials.^[35] The first batch of WhAPs were inducted into the army on 12 April 2022 at Bombay Engineer Group (BEG) and Centre, Pune by the then Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane.^{[36][37][38][39]}

WhAP was inducted into Central Reserve Police Force's 110 Battalion at Pulwama, Kashmir in August 2023.^[40][41]

Reportedly, as of August 2024, the Army is planning to order another batch of 105 WhAPs from Tata Advanced Systems Limited.^[42][43]

On 27 September 2024, Morocco's Ministry of National Defense signed a contract with Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) for the domestic production of 150 WhAP 8×8 armored combat vehicles for the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. As part of the contract, TASL Morocco (fully owned subsidiary of TASL) will set up a 20,000 m² (4.9 acres) final assembly line at Casablanca which will be operationalised within 12 months, followed by roll out within 18 months and completion of deliveries within 36 months from contract signing. The vehicle to be produced at a rate of 100 units annually will have a local integration rate of 35% which will further rise to 50%. The project is anticipated to create 90 direct and 250 indirect jobs. Ministers from National Defense, Interior, Finance, Industry, and Investment, as well as representatives from the FAR General Staff and the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), signed the agreement, which offers financial, fiscal, and customs incentives. Following the completion of deliveries to Morocco, the same production plant can also be used to export the product to other countries in Africa.^[44][45][46]

The vehicle had undergone extensive trials in Morocco since few months earlier. The project will not only mark the establishment of the first major defence production plant in Morocco but also the same by an Indian defence manufacturer in a foreign country. To contribute to vehicle modifications during the supply period, the manufacturers will collaborate closely with the DRDO.^[47]

Planned variants include ambulance, NBC recon, Command Post and engineer vehicle.^[48]

• Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP): Base variant. Wheeled Infantry Fighting Vehicle equipped with autocannon turret (primarily BMP-2).^[14]
• Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV): Armoured personnel carrier equipped with a 7.62mm remote controlled medium machine gun. Primary user: Indian Army.^[31][47]
• Paramilitary variant: IPMV variant for paramilitary operations. Primary user: Central Reserve Police Force.^[41][49][50]

 India

• Indian Army: 15 IPMVs operational; additional 9 on order.^[51] Further 105 units planned.^[43] Deployed in Leh sector.^[41]
• Central Reserve Police Force: 6 IPMVs operational^[52][51]
  • 110 battalion, Pulwama, Kashmir^[40]

 Morocco

• Royal Moroccan Armed Forces: 150 on order with CVRDE 600 hp engine version.^[47]

• Official website