Pune: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists are developing an advanced hull for a futuristic infantry combat vehicle (ICV) using composite materials to build lighter, stronger and stealthier battlefield platforms for the Indian Army.The DRDO’s Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) (R&DE-E) is developing the project in Pune.In April, the Vehicle Research and Development Establishment in Ahilyanagar unveiled the metallic version of the Vikram VT-21 infantry combat.Director of R&DE (E) Makarand Joshi told TOI: “The work is in its last phase. We have developed the hull made from composite materials and a composites-ceramics add-on armour package. The manufacturing process should be completed in a few months. We have told private industry partners to integrate all the subsystems, including the engine. It will be followed by internal assessment and technical trials.”The new composite-material version would reduce the vehicle’s weight by around 1.5 tonne and improve several operational parameters — including use of replaceable armour panels, enhanced floatation capability, lower thermal and electromagnetic signatures and improved comfort for soldiers operating inside the vehicle.The current metallic version weighs nearly 25 tonne. A lighter vehicle improves mobility, fuel efficiency and operational performance, particularly in difficult terrains, high-altitude areas and border regions.Scientists said a crucial advantage of composite materials is its ability to reduce signatures that can be detected by enemy surveillance systems and aircraft. “Additionally, R&DE (E) has developed stealth solutions for aircraft applications that can be adapted for the composite version of the Vikram VT. The capability is decisive in the evolving battlefield environment,” Joshi said.In modern warfare, where drones, radars, loitering munitions and precision-guided weapons play a dominant role, reducing battlefield detectability is a critical operational requirement, scientists said.Composite materials are widely used in advanced military platforms across the world. The US employs composite structures in the F-35 stealth fighter aircraft to reduce radar signatures and improve performance. Several European countries have incorporated composite armour and structures in armoured vehicles, naval vessels and aerospace platforms. China and Russia have invested heavily in composite-based military technologies as part of their efforts to develop next-generation combat systems, scientists said.Defence experts said such materials are increasingly preferred because these are lighter than conventional metals, highly resistant to corrosion and capable of withstanding harsh battlefield conditions. It also helps reduce vibration, noise and heat inside combat vehicles, thereby improving crew comfort and operational endurance.“Globally, the future of armoured warfare is moving towards hybrid and composite structures that combine advanced materials with active protection systems, stealth technologies and AI-enabled battlefield management systems. Countries such as the US, Germany, South Korea and Israel are investing in next-generation armoured platforms that prioritise mobility, survivability and reduced detectability over traditional heavy-armour concepts. The composite-intensive combat vehicles could emerge as a defining feature of future land warfare,” a senior army officer from the mechanised infantry told TOI.“The mechanised infantry has been operating vintage BMP II as their main ICV for decades. It has proved its mettle time and again in Indian conditions. But it is time to move on to current security dynamics,” said another mechanised infantry officer.
