CRPF Gets A New Beast For Anti-Terror Ops In Kashmir, DRDO`s 8X8 Vehicle WHAP

CRPF Gets A New Beast For Anti-Terror Ops In Kashmir, DRDO's 8X8 Vehicle WHAP


The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is the largest paramilitary force in India, with over 300,000 personnel. It is responsible for maintaining law and order, counter-insurgency, anti-naxal and anti-terror operations in various parts of the country. The CRPF has been deployed in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989, when the armed insurgency erupted in the valley. The CRPF has faced many challenges and threats from the militants, who often use improvised explosive devices (IEDs), rockets, grenades and sniper rifles to target the security forces.

To enhance its operational capabilities and combat effectiveness, the CRPF has recently acquired a new weapon system: the Wheeled Armored Amphibious Platform (WHAP). This is a state-of-the-art vehicle that can operate on both land and water, as well as swamps, lakes and lagoons. The WHAP is an 8x8 vehicle developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). The WHAP is based on the Kestrel platform, which was unveiled by DRDO in 2014.

The WHAP is a formidable machine that can withstand bullets, blasts, mines and rockets. It has a powerful 600-horsepower engine and automatic transmission, as well as a 7.62 mm Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) for accurate shooting. The WHAP can carry 12 equipped soldiers, including the driver, and has a top speed of 100 kmph on road and 10 kmph on water. The WHAP can cross water obstacles up to 1.5 meters deep and has an integrated water jet propulsion system for amphibious operations. The WHAP also has advanced features such as night vision devices, GPS navigation, fire detection and suppression system, run-flat tyres, central tyre inflation system, blast attenuated seats and climate control system.

The CRPF is the first paramilitary force to get the WHAP vehicles, out of which two have already reached Kashmir and are deployed in South Kashmir. The CRPF plans to use the WHAP for patrolling, convoy protection, quick reaction teams, casualty evacuation and special operations in the militancy affected areas. The WHAP will provide enhanced mobility, protection and firepower to the CRPF personnel, who often face ambushes and attacks from the militants. The WHAP will also help the CRPF in operations that sometimes occur in swamps, lakes and lagoons, where conventional vehicles cannot operate.

The Indian Army also received the same vehicle in 2022 for its troops deployed in the eastern sector of Ladakh. However, the CRPF's variant of the WHAP is said to be better than the Army's variant, as it has an integrated water jet for amphibious operations. The Army's variant is called the Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV), which is designed for high-altitude warfare.

The WHAP is a proud example of the 'Make in India' initiative, as it is indigenously designed and developed by DRDO and TASL. The WHAP showcases the technological prowess and innovation of India's defence sector. The WHAP is expected to boost the morale and confidence of the CRPF personnel, who are always ready to sacrifice their lives for the nation's security. The WHAP will also send a strong message to the enemies of India, who will think twice before challenging the might of the CRPF.

Source: 

(2) Home | CRPF. https://crpf.gov.in/Index.
(3) Central Reserve Police Force - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Reserve_Police_Force.
(4) CRPF Gets A New Beast For Anti-Terros Ops In Kashmir, DRDO's 8X8 Vehicle WHAP. https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/crpf-gets-a-new-beast-for-anti-terror-ops-in-kashmir-drdos-8x8-vehicle-whap/ar-AA1fO7pp.
(7) Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) | Defence Research and ... - DRDO. https://drdo.gov.in/wheeled-armoured-platform-whap.
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