India Gets WhAPs With Kongsberg 30mm Remote-Controlled

The Indian government has taken into service a WhAP (Wheeled Armoured Amphibious Platform), which was developed jointly by TATA and the Defence Research and Development Organization [DRDO].

TATA has begun delivering the vehicle, according to Indian sources, and they were initially sent to the Indian police for operational implementation. Due to the characteristics of camouflage, Army Recognition states that WhAPs will most likely be utilised on the border with Tibet [Ladakh region]. This operational assignment, according to sources, is a form of test for working at high altitudes.

Kestrel WhAP 808 was initially shown at DefExpo 2014, an international defence and security exhibition, approximately seven years ago. Kestrel WhAP 808 will be a regular participant at the same exhibition for the next four years.

About Kestrel WhAP 8×8

The Cummins ISX 600 engine produces 600 horsepower and 1,250 pound-feet of torque in the Kestrel WhAP 808. It has a top speed of 100 km/h and a maximum range of 500 kilometres with a full tank of fuel. The engine has a variable geometry turbocharger.

The Kestrel WhAP 88’s main armament is a 30mm Kongsberg gun that can be controlled remotely. According to reports in India, this cannon may be replaced at a later date by the BHEL-DRDO, an Indian weapon system that is already being integrated into other combat vehicles.

The secondary weapon is a turret-mounted 12.7mm machine gun. Separately, the AT-4 Spigot anti-tank missile system is fitted to the Kestrel WhAP 808.

The armoured vehicle is over 8 metres long and weighs about 25 tonnes. On the body of the vehicle, which is built of high-strength steel, it features composite and extra armour plates. In a seated configuration, it can hold and carry up to 12 soldiers. The armoured vehicle’s hydraulically powered entrance door is located at the rear.

The Kestrel WhAP 808 has filter systems, a sealed interior, and automatic climate control.