CRPF outperforms Army, inducts better variant DRDO's WhAP armoured vehicle

Inspector General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Gyanendra Kumar Verma, in Jammu and Kashmir, reviewed troop deployment at 110th Battalion in Pulwama on Aug 19. His visit also included assessment of newly introduced Wheeled Armoured Amphibious Platform's (WHAP) capabilities.

Kashmir Ops sector CRPF tweeted,” Gyanendra Kumar Verma, IG KO SCRPF, visited 110 Bn Pulwama today to review deployment. His visit included a close inspection of newly inducted Wheeled Armoured Amphibious Platform (WHAP) vehicle. Strengning our capabilities to ensure safety & security.”

Gyanendra Kumar Verma, IG KO SCRPF, during his visit to CRPF's 110 battalion in Pulwama. | Im: CRPF

CRPF's WhAP variant, unlike army’s Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV), has actual amphibious capabilities as it incorporates water jets. This dition equips CRPF to navigate aquatic obstacles eptly, providing a tactical vant. specific amphibious capability would help  CRPF to prevent infiltration from swamps, lakes, and lagoons in region, which are hotbeds of infiltration.  Paramilitary Variant of WHAP was designed and developed by Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahmednagar. Central Reserve Police Force's order for development and supply of six Paramilitary Variant of Wheeled Armoured Platform was entrusted to VRDE. Ar factor that distinguishes army's variant from one in CRPF's use is its camoufl. CRPF variant displays woodland camoufl, while most of IPMVs inducted by army feature desert camoufl, as those are deployed along LAC in Lakh.

Both paramilitary (on left) and army's (on right) variants of WhAP. | Im: ANI/CRPF

Vehicle's specialised design  

platform has been developed to meet needs of paramilitary forces, with a focus on ballistic armoured protection and augmented blast resistance. This vehicle operates on an 8x8 wheeled configuration, fortified by a 600-horsepower engine and automatic transmission. A feature of this Paramilitary Variant is integration of a "specially developed cost-effective" 7.62 mm Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) for precision targeting and engment. vehicle, after final assessment, was formally handed over to CRPF on March 21, 2023.

7.62 mm Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS). | Im: CRPF

Secretary Department of Defense R&D and Chairman Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Dr Samir V Kamat, presided over event virtually. Dr SV Ge, OS & DG (ACE), took charge of proceedings at VRDE. IG (Provision) Rajesh Kumar was also in attendance along with his team. Chairman DRDO virtually flagged off Paramilitary variant of WHAP from DRDO HQ and platform was handed over to forces.

When Army inducted its version of WHAP, IPMV

General MM Naravane, former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), was accompanied by Lt Gen Maj Pande, who was n Vice Chief of Army Staff and is w current COAS, on a two-day visit to Pune on April 12, 2022. During visit, y inducted several indigeus systems. Among se were Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle Medium (QRFV), Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV), Ultra Long Range Observation System by Tata vanced System Limited (TASL), and Mocoque Hull Multi-Role Mine Protected Armoured Vehicle by Bharat Forge.

Indian Army's IPMV in Lakh. | Im: Indian Army

As per Indian Army officials, IPMV, crafted by Tata vanced Systems Limited enhances mobility and provides protection for infantry soldiers stationed along rrn Borders.

DRDO unveiled indigeusly-developed WhAP back in 2020. This modular wheeled combat platform, transportable on a 70-ton trailer, offers applications including Wheeled Infantry Combat Vehicle, CBRN Vehicle, ATGM Carrier, and Light Tank. Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) variant also features a 30mm turret, composite armour, and new blast protection. Demonstrating amphibious capabilities during Lakh trials and boasting a top speed of 100 km/h on ros, WhAP is one of most versatile infantry fighting vehicles in service with Indian Army.