DRDO Transfers ‘Blitzer’ Armoured Anti-Terror Vehicle Tech to Metaltech for Rapid Deployment in Sensitive Zones

In a significant leap toward bolstering India’s counter-terrorism capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed a License Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) with Gurugram-based Metaltech Motor Bodies for the production of an indigenous anti-terrorist vehicle. Named the ‘Blitzer’, this armoured all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is specially designed for high-risk, urban and semi-urban quick response operations, including the protection of VVIP installations, Parliament security, and other high-value, sensitive buildings.

Compact Powerhouse for Rapid Response

Weighing 4.5 tonnes, the Blitzer ATV combines high-level protection with compact mobility. Its compact size allows it to navigate tight alleyways, urban slums, hilly terrain, and muddy tracks, which are common hotspots for terrorist hideouts. Despite its bulk, the vehicle can cruise steadily at 25 km/h, offering a perfect balance of mobility and armored protection.

One of the standout features is its 360-degree rotatable turret which allows the onboard soldiers to engage threats in all directions without repositioning the vehicle. Even while stationary, the Blitzer can turn around completely, making it highly suitable for congested or ambush-prone environments.

Bulletproof and Blast Resistant

Engineered by DRDO with advanced ballistic protection, the Blitzer can withstand direct hits from high-caliber weapons such as SLRs, AK-47s, and even hand grenades. It is also explosion-resistant, making it viable in areas with landmine threats or IED-laced roads.

Advanced Features for Modern Combat

Designed for a crew of three—one driver and two fully armed personnel, the vehicle includes features tailored for high-intensity scenarios:

• Clear visibility from all sides for maximum situational awareness.

• Night viewing glass for enhanced nocturnal surveillance.

• Advanced lighting arrangements for both interior and exterior utility.

• Shock-absorbing seats, reducing injury risk during blasts.

• Air-conditioning system, vital for soldier comfort during long-hour operations.

• Camouflage bodywork, allowing it to blend in during rural and forest operations.

Strategic Role in India’s Internal Security

The Blitzer is expected to serve as a Quick Response Vehicle (QRV) for anti-terrorist teams like the National Security Guard (NSG), CRPF QAT units, State ATS forces, and elite commando groups tasked with hostage rescue and building sanitization. Given its enhanced protection and agility, the vehicle will also be deployed at key security installations like the Indian Parliament, Rashtrapati Bhavan, VVIP residences, nuclear power plants, and key airports.

Officials familiar with the project confirmed that Metaltech Motor Bodies, now authorized to produce the Blitzer under LAToT terms, will begin production in phased batches, focusing initially on fulfilling the Ministry of Home Affairs’ requirements for critical installations.

Future Potential and Upgrades

Future variants of the Blitzer are likely to include remote-controlled weapon stations, drone integration for aerial surveillance, and AI-assisted threat detection systems. The modular design allows for configuration changes to accommodate riot control systems, bomb detection equipment, or robotic arms for EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) tasks.

This initiative highlights DRDO’s commitment to the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) movements, ensuring that India’s internal security forces have home-grown, mission-ready tools to respond to evolving threats. The Blitzer is a prime example of how modern engineering and battlefield requirements are merging to produce tactical, terrain-ready platforms for the 21st-century warfighter.