DRDO and Tata Advanced Systems Co-Developed Next-Generation Advanced Armoured Platform and 30mm Unmanned Turret
Mumbai, 28th April 2026: Tata Advanced Systems Limited demonstrated its successful partnership with the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) through the development of the Advanced Armoured Platforms (Tracked & Wheeled) – VIKRAM VT 21 and 30mm Unmanned Turret.
Designed by Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) and developed and manufactured by Tata Advanced Systems with VRDE support, the protypes was completed in record time of under 30 months. These protypes were flagged off by DRDO on Saturday April 25, 2026, along with senior leaders from both DcPP partners and key sub-system providers, at the Vehicle Dynamic Test Track, NCAT. The event was graced by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman, DRDO and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, along with senior leadership across DRDO, including the Director, VRDE, and scientists from various DRDO laboratories.
Mr. Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, said: “This development project has created a new benchmark in Tata Advanced Systems and DRDO collaboration, both in terms of time to completion and quality of systems provided.”
The programme underscores the strong collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems and DRDO, with Tata Advanced Systems serving as a strategic partner in the VIKRAM-VT 21 Advanced Armoured Platform project, led by DRDO’s VRDE. As part of this programme, the platform integrates the 30mm Unmanned Turret, also jointly developed by Tata Advanced Systems with DRDO. The turret is an advanced, weapon platform designed for armoured personnel carriers, enabling precise targeting and enhanced firepower while ensuring operators remain safely within the vehicle hull. Prior to the flag-off, both platforms successfully underwent rigorous mobility trials at NCAT, VRDE. Other trials will follow shortly.
Tata Advanced Systems has developed the advanced armoured platform to support future-ready, mobile and survivable combat systems for the Indian Armed Forces, reinforcing its pivotal role in India’s defence ecosystem. Working closely with DRDO and the armed forces, the company continues to design, develop, and deliver advanced platforms and technologies across domains, strengthening indigenous capability and mission readiness.
About the Advanced Armoured Platform
The Advanced Armoured Platform represents a new generation of combat vehicles designed with a focus on enhanced mobility, modularity, and crew survivability. Developed in close partnership with DRDO, the platform integrates advanced automotive systems, high mobility architecture, and provisions for next-generation combat capabilities, including crewless operations. The platform has undergone rigorous mobility trials at DRDO’s National Centre for Automotive Testing (NCAT), demonstrating robust performance across varied terrains and operational conditions.
About Tata Advanced Systems Limited
Tata Advanced Systems Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is a significant player in Aerospace and Defence solutions in India. Tata Advanced Systems offers a full range of integrated solutions across: Aerostructures & Aeroengines, Airborne Platforms & Systems, Defence & Security and Land Mobility solutions. Tata Advanced Systems has a strong portfolio of partnerships and joint ventures with leading global aerospace and defence firms, making it an integral partner in the international supply chain and in some instances, a global single source provider for leading aerospace and defence OEMs. With the requisite capabilities, resources and scale, Tata Advanced Systems is equipped to deliver end-to-end innovative solutions throughout the entire aerospace and defence value chain from design to full platform assembly, and is well positioned in technologies that include missiles, radars, unmanned aerial systems, artillery guns, command and control systems, optronics and homeland security apart from world class protected mobility solutions.
