Tata Motors has reportedly secured a significant contract to manufacture and export 150 Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) combat vehicles to Morocco’s defense forces. This achievement marks an important milestone in India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, showcasing the potential for indigenous defense equipment to reach international markets. Despite this, the pride and elation over the contract may be more muted than expected. One reason for the subdued response is the Indian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) apparent preference for the U.S.-developed Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV), which casts a shadow over Tata’s domestic product—the WhAP.
The development of the WhAP was not a sudden venture; it traces its origins back to Tata Motors’ work on the TATA Kestrel, initially classified as an Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV). With ambitions to replace the Indian Army’s aging Soviet-era BMP-1 and BMP-2 armored personnel carriers, Tata Motors began the Kestrel project as part of India’s broader Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) program, seeking to modernize and enhance the army’s mobility and protection capabilities.
Tata’s WhAP Combat Vehicle
Tata Motors developed the Kestrel in response to a request for information (RFI) issued by the Indian government. The request was part of the FICV (wheeled) program, aiming to acquire a chassis, propulsion unit, and weapon systems for a wheeled armored amphibious platform. Working closely with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army, Tata Motors began trials and testing, unveiling the Kestrel at Defexpo 2014. This vehicle, equipped with the Kongsberg PROTECTOR MCT-30R turret, represented India’s ambition to build a modern, modular armored platform capable of meeting a variety of mission needs.
The WhAP was built to handle various combat roles, focusing on modularity and adaptability. This versatility was critical, as it allowed the vehicle to support a range of weapon systems, including 30mm cannons, missile launchers, and other armaments, tailored to the mission at hand. Extensive trials of the WhAP took place in varied terrains, including deserts, high altitudes, and plains, testing its durability, mobility, and protection systems. By 2017, Tata had introduced a new variant of the Kestrel, branded as the Wheeled Armored Platform (WhAP), at the Aero India defense exhibition, signaling that the vehicle was ready for mass production.
This 8×8 wheeled platform was India’s first indigenously developed vehicle of its kind and was touted as a significant leap in India’s defense manufacturing capabilities. It was envisioned not only as a key element in India’s military modernization but also as a potential export product to friendly nations.
WhAP’s Trials and the Road to Production
The trials of the WhAP were rigorous and comprehensive, designed to meet the Indian Army’s stringent requirements for mobility, durability, and protective capabilities. One of the key aspects of these trials was the vehicle’s ability to withstand both direct fire and blast impacts, essential for modern combat scenarios. Additionally, its modular design allowed for upgrades in armament and protection based on the mission. By 2019, the Indian Ministry of Defence gave the green light for the WhAP to be produced and exported, with the Indian Army announcing plans to acquire 200 units.
The first batch of WhAPs was officially inducted into the Indian Army on April 12, 2022, at the Bombay Engineer Group (BEG) and Centre in Pune. This event was significant, as it marked the culmination of years of research, development, and testing. The WhAP was also inducted into the Central Reserve Police Force’s 110 Battalion in Pulwama, Kashmir, in August 2023, indicating its versatile role in both military and paramilitary operations. As of August 2024, reports suggest that the Indian Army is planning to order an additional 105 WhAPs from Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
Stryker ICV and the US Proposal
While the induction of the WhAP into the Indian armed forces marked a major success for Tata Motors, the MoD’s apparent enthusiasm for the Stryker ICV has somewhat tempered the celebration. In November 2023, The Times of India reported that the United States had offered to jointly manufacture the eight-wheeled Stryker ICV in India, in response to the threat posed by China. This offer has drawn considerable attention, with Defense Secretary Giridhar Aramane stating that military and industrial teams from both nations were working on a concrete plan.
The Indian Army’s interest in the Stryker ICV appears substantial, with an initial plan to procure around 530 units. According to the Swarajya news portal, this acquisition would help address the need for 10 wheeled mechanized infantry battalions. The strategy involves purchasing a limited number of Strykers directly from the U.S. government through its foreign military sale program, with the remaining units to be manufactured in India. The speed and urgency with which the U.S. proposal is being processed contrast sharply with the slower pace of domestic orders for the Tata WhAP.
Stryker vs. WhAP: Comparing Combat Platforms
One of the debates surrounding the procurement of the Stryker ICV and the Tata WhAP centers on the differences in their combat roles. Some argue that the Stryker serves as an Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV), while the WhAP is more akin to an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). However, this distinction is not clear-cut, as both vehicles can be configured to perform multiple combat and combat-support roles. The WhAP, with its modular design, is versatile enough to function as an ICV when fitted with anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) or a 30mm cannon, just like the BMP-2, which it was designed to replace. Both vehicles are 8×8 wheeled platforms capable of reaching speeds of 100 km/h and have a range of up to 600 km, but their design philosophies differ significantly.
The Tata WhAP stands out for its modularity. It can be configured as an amphibious fighting vehicle, allowing it to cross rivers, lakes, and operate in coastal regions. This capability is particularly important for India, given its varied geography. The WhAP also allows for customizable armor protection based on mission needs, with the potential to reach STANAG Level 3 or higher. In terms of firepower, the WhAP can be equipped with a 30mm automatic cannon, ATGMs, and machine guns, making it a formidable platform for various combat scenarios.
In contrast, the Stryker takes a less modular approach to armament, offering different variants for specific roles. The standard Stryker platform is equipped with a 12.7mm M2 Browning heavy machine gun or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher in a Remote Weapon Station (RWS). However, the Stryker comes in a wide range of specialized variants, such as the Mobile Gun System (MGS) equipped with a 105mm tank gun, an anti-tank guided missile variant with TOW missiles, and the Stryker Dragoon with a 30mm autocannon.
Protection and Power
The Stryker arguably features better default protection compared to the WhAP. Its steel armor provides protection against 14.5mm armor-piercing rounds, and it can be outfitted with slat armor or composite armor for enhanced survivability against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). On the other hand, the WhAP offers a more flexible protection system that can be upgraded based on mission requirements.
In terms of power, the WhAP is equipped with a 600-hp Cummins ISXe 600 engine, while the Stryker has a 350-hp Caterpillar C7 engine. This makes the WhAP more powerful, enabling it to operate effectively across diverse terrains, from deserts to high-altitude regions. Additionally, the WhAP’s adjustable suspension system gives it an edge in extreme off-road conditions.
A key advantage of the WhAP is its amphibious variant, a feature the Stryker lacks. The ability to operate in water is critical for missions in riverine and coastal environments, giving the WhAP greater versatility in a range of combat scenarios. The Stryker, on the other hand, excels in urban combat situations and has more specialized variants, such as those with heavy weapon systems like the 105mm Mobile Gun System.
While Tata’s success in securing the contract with Morocco is commendable, the Indian MoD’s growing interest in the Stryker ICV raises important questions about the future of indigenous defense production. The WhAP has proven itself to be a versatile, modular, and cost-effective combat vehicle, with significant potential for export to other nations. Yet, the Stryker’s established reputation and specialized variants make it a strong contender for the Indian Army’s future needs, especially in the context of India’s evolving strategic challenges.
As India continues to modernize its military and expand its defense manufacturing capabilities, the choice between the WhAP and the Stryker may well reflect broader decisions about balancing indigenous development with strategic partnerships abroad. For now, Tata’s WhAP remains a promising symbol of India’s defense ambitions, even as the shadow of the Stryker looms large on the horizon.
