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

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

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

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

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

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

Vehicle's specialised design  

The platform has been developed to meet the needs of the 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 the integration of a "specially developed cost-effective" 7.62 mm Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) for precision targeting and engagement. The vehicle, after final assessment, was formally handed over to the CRPF on March 21, 2023.

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

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

When Army inducted its version of WHAP, IPMV

General MM Naravane, the former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), was accompanied by Lt Gen Manoj Pande, who was then the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and is now the current COAS, on a two-day visit to Pune on April 12, 2022. During the visit, they inducted several indigenous systems. Among these were the Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle Medium (QRFV), the Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV), the Ultra Long Range Observation System by Tata Advanced System Limited (TASL), and the Monocoque Hull Multi-Role Mine Protected Armoured Vehicle by Bharat Forge.

Indian Army's IPMV in Ladakh. | Image: Indian Army

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

DRDO unveiled the indigenously-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.The Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) variant also features a 30mm turret, composite armour, and new blast protection. Demonstrating amphibious capabilities during Ladakh trials and boasting a top speed of 100 km/h on roads, the WhAP is one of the most versatile infantry fighting vehicles in service with the Indian Army.