Kestrel (WhAP)
India2020 - Present
The Kestrel (officially DRDO WhAP - Wheeled Armoured Platform) is India's indigenous 8x8 amphibious armored personnel carrier jointly developed by DRDO and Tata Advanced Systems. Weighing 25 tons, it features modular weapon configurations including BMP-2 turret (30mm 2A42 + 7.62mm PKT + ATGM), Kongsberg MCT-30R RWS, or Elbit UT30MK2 turret. Powered by Cummins ISX 600hp diesel engine with automatic transmission providing 100 km/h road speed, 40 km/h off-road, and 10 km/h amphibious via water jets. Length 7.85m, width 3.0m, height 2.3-3.25m (depending on turret). Crew of 2-3 plus 10 infantry. Features double-V hull for mine/IED protection, modular armor, NBC protection, and run-flat tires with CTIS.
Primary Specifications
Main gun
30mm Cannon
Modular turret with autocannon
Engine
600 HP
Diesel for wheeled configuration
Weight
24 tonnes
Wheeled platform for rapid deployment
Speed
100 km/h
Wheeled vehicles are faster on roads
Range
800 km
Wheeled efficiency advantage
Crew
3
Crew of 3 plus 8 dismounts
Quick Summary
What's different?
8x8 wheeled configuration provides superior road mobility vs tracked BMP-2. Amphibious without preparation via twin water jets. Double-V hull designed for mine/IED resistance. Modular design allows APC, IFV, mortar carrier, 105mm light tank, and other variants.
Why it matters?
Marks India's entry into modern wheeled armored vehicle market. First export order (Morocco 150 units) demonstrates international competitiveness. Designed with lessons from modern conflicts emphasizing mine/IED protection.
Real-World Impact
1
Anti-Naxal Operations Success
CRPF 110 Battalion using WhAP in Bastar, Chhattisgarh since 2023-2024. Proven effective against IEDs and ambushes. Superior to older Casspir MPVs in mobility and protection.
2
High-Altitude Trials
WhAP completed cold weather and high-altitude trials in Ladakh (October 2021) demonstrating capability along LAC. 8x8 configuration provides better mobility on mountain roads than tracked vehicles.
3
Morocco Export Success
September 2024 contract for 150 WhAP 8x8 vehicles for Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. TASL establishing assembly facility in Casablanca. First Indian armored vehicle export of this scale.
4
Modular Mission Variants
DRDO developing multiple variants: APC, 30mm ICV, 105mm light tank, 120mm mortar carrier, command post, ambulance, CBRN reconnaissance vehicle on common chassis.
Additional Features
Armor
Composite + Slat
Other key features
Wheeled Amphibious Platform; indigenous design
FAQs
1. What weapon systems are available?
Multiple configurations: BMP-2 turret (30mm 2A42 + PKT + ATGM), Kongsberg MCT-30R RWS (30mm + 7.62mm + Javelin ATGM), Elbit UT30MK2 (30mm Bushmaster II + 7.62mm + ATGM). RCWS options for 12.7mm HMG.2. How does mine protection work?
3. Is it truly amphibious?
4. What is the IPMV variant?
5. How does it compare to Stryker?
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