VRDE (DRDO) and Bharat Forge Flag Off Vikram VT 21: Co-created Advanced Armoured Platforms Ready for Service
The development of advanced military platforms was highlighted with the flagoff of the Vikram VT 21 project. This initiative involves the co-creation of two major platforms: the Advanced Armoured Platform-Wheeled (AAP-Wh) and the Advanced Armoured Platform-Tracked (AAP-Tr). The project is a collaboration between VRDE (DRDO), Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), and support from several MSMEs.The ceremony saw the attendance of key figures, including Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman (DRDO); Mr. G. R. M. Rao, Director (VRDE); Mr. Prateek Kishore, DG (ACE); and Dr. (Ms) Chandrika Kaushik, DS & DG (PC&SI), alongside senior Indian Army officials and industry representatives.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Samir V. Kamat noted that the project serves as proof of the effectiveness of the Development Cum Production Partner (DCPP) model. He emphasized that this model successfully integrates DRDO's technical expertise with the scalable capacity of industry partners for leapfrogging platform design and development.
Mr. Amit Kalyani, VC & JMD of Bharat Forge Ltd, highlighted that the Vikram is an advanced feat of systems engineering, combining a ruggedised vehicle chassis with an unmanned turret. The AAP-Wh successfully progressed from concept to a combat-ready state in under three years, attributing this rapid development to continuous engagement and joint problem-solving. Furthermore, with the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) clearing the WH-AFV and FICV for the Ministry of Defence, the Vikram VT 21 is poised to meet the evolving requirements of the Indian Armed Forces and expand into the global export market.
Bharat Forge and its wholly-owned defence subsidiary, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), are maintaining a strong commitment to their partnership with DRDO. Their focus remains on developing new strategic capabilities for India, driving efforts to ramp up in-house design and technology capacities to align with the futuristic needs of the Indian Armed Forces, thereby supporting an Atmanirbhar and Sashakt Bharat.
Corporate Background
Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) is a multinational, technology-driven Indian company. It is a global leader in providing high performance, innovative, safety critical components and solutions across various sectors, including automotive, power, oil and gas, construction & mining, rail, marine, defence, and aerospace. BFL operates a global manufacturing footprint across five countries and maintains a vast repository of metallurgical knowledge, offering full service supply capability from concept to product design, engineering, manufacturing, testing, and validation.
Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd. (KSSL) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited. It was established as a flagship company to spearhead the Group's defence business initiatives. The Group leverages over five decades of experience in design, engineering, metallurgy, and manufacturing expertise, solidifying its position as a leading defence player in India.
BHARATFORG Stock Price Movement
Shares of Bharat Forge Limited are edging higher to ₹1878.4 as of 9:28 AM today, rallying 1.21% and gaining ₹22.40 in live trading. The stock is currently seeing significant investor interest, underpinned by a volume of 66,619 shares traded so far.Disclaimer: Due care and diligence have been taken in compiling and presenting news and market-related content. However, errors or omissions may arise despite such efforts.
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