Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) made a prominent appearance at the DEFEA 2025 defence exhibition in Athens, Greece, drawing attention with its flagship Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 and advanced loitering munitions, including the ALS-50 and newly developed ALS-250. The Greek military has shown particular interest in the WhAP 8×8 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), which was a centrepiece of TASL’s display.
The WhAP 8×8, also known as the Kestrel, is a fully indigenous amphibious infantry combat vehicle developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Designed with modularity and versatility in mind, the WhAP can function as either an Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) or an APC. It can carry up to 12 soldiers and support a range of weapon systems, including 30mm autocannons, anti-tank guided missiles, and remote-controlled weapon stations. Its amphibious capability, independent suspension, and adaptability for roles such as troop transport, reconnaissance, and direct combat make it suitable for diverse operational terrains, including deserts, mountains, and riverine environments.
The platform features protection against 14.5mm armour-piercing rounds and optional slat or composite armour for improved survivability against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Already deployed by the Indian Army along the northern and eastern borders and in use by paramilitary forces in insurgency-affected zones, the WhAP has undergone rigorous testing in extreme conditions such as high-altitude Ladakh and the Pokhran desert.
TASL also presented its next-generation loitering munitions, which have drawn attention for their combat-proven performance and advanced features. The ALS-50, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) loitering munition, is already operational with the Indian Army and Air Force. It has been tested successfully in high-altitude regions and used in combat scenarios, offering a range of over 50 kilometers and a 6 kg payload. It supports autonomous targeting, anti-jamming capability, and precision strike accuracy within two meters, making it suitable for tactical missions in confined or fortified environments.
A key highlight of the display was the ALS-250, a long-range autonomous loitering munition developed for high-altitude and strategic operations. With a range exceeding 250 kilometers, it is designed to meet the demands of challenging zones like the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where India faces sophisticated threats from China’s PLA. The ALS-250 is equipped with a gyrostabilised EO/IR turret for day-and-night, all-weather operations and can carry either an 8 kg high-explosive pre-fragmented or a tandem anti-armour warhead. It features autonomous navigation, mission abort, and safe recovery functions, allowing it to perform effectively even in GPS-denied environments.
TASL’s participation at DEFEA 2025 reflects India’s expanding role in global defence exports and its commitment to indigenous defence manufacturing under the Make in India initiative. The strong interest from Greece in platforms like the WhAP highlights the growing relevance of Indian military technology in the international market.
