WhAP 8×8 Indian Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
WhAP 8×8
Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
Other
Basic Information
Name
WhAP 8×8 Indian Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
Designation
WhAP 8×8
Alternate Designation
WhAP 8×8; Tata Kestrel
Equipment Type
Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
Manufacturer
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)
Date of Introduction
2022
Description
The WhAP 8×8 Indian Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) also known as the Tata Kestrel, represents India's first fully indigenous amphibious wheeled infantry fighting vehicle and stands as a significant milestone in the nation's defense manufacturing capabilities. Developed through a public-private partnership between the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), the platform has transitioned from developmental trials (2014-2022) to operational service and international export within a decade. A second-generation variant, developed by Mahindra Defense Systems in collaboration with DRDO, commenced trials in 2024 with enhanced protection, lighter weight, and improved power-to-weight ratios (26 hp/ton), though this iteration remains in evaluation phases.
Ground Specifications
Crew
3
Mobility Type
Wheeled (8x8)
Main Weapon
30-millimeter 2A42 autocannon
Engine
Turbocharged Diesel (600 hp)
NBC Protection
Yes
Amphibious
Yes
Max Speed
110.0 km/h
Range
478.0 km
System
Alternative Designation
WhAP 8×8; Tata Kestrel
Type
Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
Manufacturer
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)
Configuration
8x8
Crew
3 ea
Passengers
8 ea
Dimensions
Length
7.85 m
Width
3.0 m
Height, Hull
2.3 m
Height, Armed
3.25 m
Weight, Combat
19-26 tons (Configuration-dependent)
Amphibious Weight Limit
24 tons (Flotation requirement)
Automotive
Engine Name
Cummins ISX 600
Engine Type
turbocharged diesel engine
Engine Power
600 hp
Maximum Range
478 km
Maximum Speed
110 km/h
Amphibious
Yes
Amphibious Speed
8-10 km/h utilizing integrated hydrojets, enabling river crossing and island assault operations critical to littoral defense scenarios.
Gradient
58%
Side Slope
36%
Vertical Step
0.6 m
Trench
1.8 m
Fording
INA
Turning Radius
19.0 m
Main Weapon System
Primary Combat Configuration (BMP-2 Turret)
The 30-millimeter 2A42 autocannon (effective range 3,000 meters) paired with 7.62-millimeter PKT coaxial machine gun provides fire support against light-armored targets and personnel. Integration of anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) capability—typically 9M113 Konkurs-M wire-guided rounds—extends anti-armor reach to 4,000 meters.
Advanced Configuration (Elbit UT30MK2 Turret)
This unmanned turret integrates a Mk44 Bushmaster II autocannon with coaxial 7.62-millimeter capability and fire-and-forget Javelin missile integration, providing significantly elevated lethality against armored platforms at 4,750-meter effective ranges.
Light Configuration (MCT-30R Remote Weapon Station)
The Kongsberg Protector system mounts a 30×113-millimeter cannon with optional 40-millimeter grenade launcher capability, optimized for force protection and reconnaissance missions.
Infantry Protected Mobility Variant (IPMV)
A 7.62-millimeter remotely operated machine gun provides light protection for reconnaissance and transport missions with reduced crew protection requirements.
Note
All configurations integrate advanced electro-optical fire control with laser rangefinding and 3rd-generation thermal imaging, permitting target acquisition and engagement in degraded visibility conditions.
Protection
Armor
Interior ergonomics address crew survivability through anti-blast suspended seating, energy-absorbing floor interface mats, and redundant escape systems (rear ramp door plus two escape hatches). Individual crew members are provided firing ports and periscopes for situational awareness during mounted operations. The WhAP's protection strategy reflects contemporary mine-resistant vehicle design principles centered on blast mitigation rather than impenetrable armor. The hull construction comprises high-strength steel with bolted-on ceramic composite appliqué, achieving a double-V-shaped bottom configuration designed to deflect and dissipate mine blast energy. Protection ratings achieve STANAG 4569 compliance across multiple threat levels, with modular armor configurations permitting scalability from Level 1 (small arms) through Level 4 (14.5-mm rounds). The bottom hull specifically achieves Level 3 protection, withstanding mine detonations up to 10 kilograms of TNT equivalent.
Applique Armor
Expendable armor upgrade capacity for elevated threat environments
NBC Protection
Yes
Smoke Equipment
INA
Image Sources
Notes
https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2026/india-delivers-first-batch-of-whap-8x8-armored-vehicles-to-morocco; https://www.tataadvancedsystems.com/combat-vehicles; https://www.edrmagazine.eu/more-details-on-the-whap-8x8; https://www.armyrecognition.com/focus-analysis-conflicts/army/analysis-defense-and-security-industry/how-tatas-whap-8x8-armored-vehicle-symbolizes-indias-industrial-and-strategic-autonomy
Details
Country of Origin
India
Category
Land
Land
Filter Label
W
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
7.85 m
Width
3 m
Height
3.25 m
Weight
19000 kg
Operators (3)
India
Greece
Morocco
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