Pravaig Unveils VEER: India’s Pioneering Stealth First Electric Vehicle for Defence Missions

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Overview of Pravaig VEER Launch

  • Bengaluru-based Pravaig Dynamics unveiled the near-production-ready VEER Electric Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (E-TATV) in late October 2025, marking India’s debut in defence-specific electric vehicles.
  • Initially conceptualized under the Ministry of Defence’s iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) program, the VEER builds on successful military trials conducted earlier in 2025, including high-altitude tests in Ladakh by the Indian Army.
  • The launch emphasizes self-reliance, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives to reduce import dependency on conventional fuel-based military logistics.
  • Pravaig, a deep-tech startup specializing in EVs, batteries, and robotics, positions VEER as a game-changer for asymmetric warfare, forward patrols, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and special operations.

Vehicle Specifications and Performance

  • Powered by a robust 95.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with fast-charging capabilities, VEER delivers over 500 km range on a single charge, ideal for extended missions without refueling halts.
  • Dual all-wheel-drive (AWD) electric motors generate a combined 402 bhp (201 bhp per motor) and 620 Nm torque (310 Nm per), enabling a top speed of 120 km/h and superior acceleration for rapid deployments.
  • All-terrain prowess: Engineered for diverse environments like deserts, mountains, and dense forests, with modular design for quick field repairs using standard tools, minimizing downtime in combat zones.
  • Advanced features include low acoustic and thermal signatures for stealth operations, no exhaust emissions for reduced detectability, and integrated robotics for enhanced payload versatility up to 1,000 kg.

Design Innovations for Defence Applications

  • Stealth-focused engineering: Ultra-quiet operation and minimal heat output make VEER undetectable by enemy sensors, providing tactical superiority in covert missions and border patrols.
  • Modular and sustainable: Repairable components promote longevity, while zero-emission profile supports green defence strategies, cutting logistics costs by up to 40% compared to diesel counterparts.
  • Multi-role capabilities: Configurable for troop transport, medical evacuation, or unmanned ISR, with options for armor plating and weapon mounts to adapt to evolving threats.
  • Proven in trials: Successfully navigated extreme terrains during iDEX evaluations, demonstrating reliability in sub-zero temperatures and rugged conditions akin to Indo-China border scenarios.

Company Background and iDEX Milestone

  • Founded in 2021, Pravaig Dynamics has evolved from consumer EVs to defence tech, leveraging proprietary battery solutions for privacy, repairability, and ownership—core tenets of their “genuine ownership” philosophy.
  • VEER secured the prestigious iDEX award in March 2025, recognizing its innovation in electric tactical vehicles and paving the way for MoD contracts and funding support.
  • Partnerships: Collaborates with DRDO and private defence firms for scaling, with initial production targeted at 100 units annually, expandable to 500 by 2027.
  • Broader impact: Positions Pravaig as a leader in India’s defence EV ecosystem, inspiring startups to bridge civilian and military tech for national security.

Significance for India’s Defence and EV Landscape

  • Enhances operational edge: VEER’s silent mobility counters modern threats like drone surveillance, boosting Indian Armed Forces’ agility in hybrid warfare environments.
  • Economic boost: Indigenous manufacturing in Bengaluru creates 500+ jobs in EV supply chains, aligning with Viksit Bharat@2047 goals for tech self-sufficiency.
  • Sustainability angle: Reduces oil imports for military use (India imports 85% of its crude), lowering carbon footprint and operational expenses amid global EV shifts.
  • Global potential: Sets India as an exporter of defence EVs, with interest from QUAD nations for collaborative tech transfers in green military hardware.

Future Plans and Production Roadmap

  • Scaling phase: Post-trials certification expected by Q1 2026, followed by cost optimization to under Rs 2 crore per unit for bulk procurement.
  • Deployment timeline: Full induction into armed forces within 12-24 months, starting with border units, with pilot fleets for real-world feedback.
  • Expansion vision: Pravaig plans VEER variants for civilian disaster response and exports, while investing in AI-integrated autonomy for next-gen models.
  • Challenges ahead: Addressing supply chain vulnerabilities for rare earth batteries, mitigated through domestic mining incentives under PLI schemes.

Industry Buzz and Stakeholder Reactions

  • Social media excitement: Defence enthusiasts hail VEER as a “silent warrior,” with posts celebrating its Ladakh trials and torque prowess as symbols of Indian ingenuity.
  • Expert views: Veterans and analysts praise the iDEX-backed pivot to EVs, noting it future-proofs defence against fuel shortages in prolonged conflicts.
  • Government endorsement: MoD officials underscore VEER’s role in diversifying mobility assets, urging faster private-public synergies for 50% indigenous content by 2030.
  • Community impact: Sparks youth interest in STEM, with Pravaig’s outreach programs training 1,000 engineers annually in EV defence tech.

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