Vikram VT 21: Can it replace ageing combat vehicle fleet?, Pg15

Key Highlights:

• The DRDO launched the Vikram VT 21, an infantry combat vehicle (ICV), as a potential replacement for the Indian Army's ageing Soviet-era ICV fleet.
• The Vikram VT 21 (also called the Advanced Armoured Platform) comes in two variants: wheeled and tracked.

Detailed Insights:

• Infantry combat vehicles (ICVs) are armoured vehicles designed to transport troops and provide direct fire support on the battlefield.
• The wheeled variant of the Vikram VT 21 is faster and better suited for roads and urban environments, while the tracked variant offers superior performance on rough terrain.
• The 30 mm crewless turret is an indigenously designed, remotely operated gun system paired with a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun and can launch Nag anti-tank guided missiles.
• Network-centric warfare, which integrates military units and systems through information technology, necessitates modern ICVs like the Vikram VT 21.

Key Concepts Involved:

• ICV (Infantry Combat Vehicle): An armoured vehicle used to transport troops and provide fire support.
• Network-centric Warfare: Military strategy that uses information technology to connect different units for better coordination.