Page 15 - ADT JUNE - JULY 2021 Online Magazine

and technological advancements. The selected
bidder will also need to provide Performance
Based Logistics (PBL), Transfer of Technology
(ToT), Engineering Support Package and other
Maintenance and Training requirements. The
FRCVs will remain in service till 2070-2080
and operate in varied terrain including High [ LAND SYSTEMS ]
Altitude Areas, Plains/Riverine, Deserts and
Semi-Deserts.

The FRCVs will need to cater for the rapid
growth in technology, which has resulted in new
aerial threats from Unmanned Combat Aerial
Vehicles (UCAV), Loitering Munitions, etc which
can strike accurately due to improvements in
Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance
(ISR) which have made targeting of armoured
vehicles easier. There is a growing need for
army units to operate in a synergetic and net-
worked environment, and hence the new FRCVs
will feature greater networked capabilities. In its
Capability RFI, the Army has requested incorporation of
Artificial Intelligence (AI), See Through Armour
and the ability to operate in a Network Centric
& Electronic Warfare (EW) environment. The
requirement also calls for development of a
Refresh modular family of combat vehicles based on
the FRCV such as Recovery Vehicles, Bridge
Layer Tanks, etc.

The FRCV will be required to conduct sus-
tained, continuous operations by day and
night with real time awareness, all terrain agility
and high mobility while engaging targets with
THE INDIAN ARMY IS LOOKING TO ACQUIRE A lethal firepower and protect its occupants with
RANGE OF ARMOURED FIGHTING PLATFORMS multi-layered protection incorporating armour
and Active Protection Systems (APS). The
Army has asked for the FRCV to incorporate
Atul Chandra systems which negate ISR systems, counter
new threats and deliver enhanced operational
performance.
The Indian Army is making another attempt to enhance the fighting
capability of its mechanised regiments and is looking to acquire New FICVs to Boost Firepower
Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV), Futuristic Infantry Combat The MoD is looking to procure approximately
Vehicles (FICV) and light tanks. Despite a shift towards Western 1750 tracked FICVs (Tr) with deliveries to com-
defence equipment in recent years, the Army operates a prepon- mence within two years of contract signature.
derance of Russian equipment for its armoured and mechanised The medium weight class tanks are to feature
regiments comprising of T-72 and T-90 Main Battle Tanks (MBT) a 30 mm main gun and modular upgradable
and BMP-2 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC). Efforts to develop weapons. A crew of 2-3 and power to weight
indigenous wheeled armoured fighting vehicles have yet to fructify ratio of 30:1 HP/tonne or better with hybrid
and the Army is now also looking to procure light tanks for high-al- electric drive and active suspension has been
titude operations. asked for. The FICVs will be deployed on India’s
plains and along the desert terrain along its
New FRCV by 2030 Western Borders and at high altitudes (up to
India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a Request for Information 5000 m) in mountain terrain along the country’s
(RFI) in June for the acquisition of approximately 1770 FRCVs by Northern Borders (Eastern Ladakh/ Central
2030 under the ‘Strategic Partnership’ route under the Defence Sector / North Sikkim).
Acquisition Procedure – 2020. The ‘state-of-the art’ ‘technology
enabled’ tanks are being acquired to meet emerging future threats The RFI calls for a modular design that can

ASIAN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY June/July 2021 | 15