Govt. Eyes Public-Private Strategic Partnership (SPV) Model to Spearhead FRCV Development

The Indian Army is on the brink of a revolutionary transformation in its ground forces, spearheaded by the development of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs). These advanced tanks are poised to replace the aging T-72 fleet, promising a substantial boost to India's military capabilities.

The government's vision for this ambitious project, estimated to be worth Rs 57,000 crore, extends beyond mere replacement. It envisions a strategic shift in defense procurement through the adoption of the Public-Private Strategic Partnership (SPV) model. This innovative approach seeks to leverage the expertise of both public and private entities to expedite the FRCV development process and ensure the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies.

Under the SPV model, a government agency will lead the project, while select private sector companies will contribute their technological prowess to develop key components and technologies. This collaborative effort aims to combine the strategic vision of the government with the innovation and efficiency of the private sector, ultimately resulting in a world-class combat vehicle.

The FRCV program is designed to unfold in three phases, with the initial induction of 590 FRCVs. This phased approach not only ensures a seamless transition from the T-72s but also allows for continuous improvement based on real-world operational feedback. By the final phase, the Indian Army aims to have over 1,500 FRCVs in its arsenal, completely replacing the aging T-72 fleet.

These FRCVs are envisioned as technological marvels, integrating artificial intelligence, drone capabilities, and active protection systems to enhance situational awareness, reconnaissance, and survivability on the battlefield. The tanks will also possess "manned-unmanned teaming" capabilities, allowing for seamless coordination with other unmanned platforms. This emphasis on network-centric warfare ensures that the FRCVs can operate effectively in conjunction with other elements of the Indian military, creating a formidable and cohesive fighting force.

By adopting the SPV model and embracing cutting-edge technologies, India is poised to modernize its ground forces and strengthen its defense capabilities significantly. The development of FRCVs marks a significant step towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing and positions India as a key player in the global defense landscape.

 

[Bhishma]

We need to attract several bids. We need to have two finalists. Both must develop the tanks. Out of this, #1 must be given 75% and #2 must be given 25% contract. This will force the players to outdo each other and give us the best.

 

[kumar]

If SPV materializes then it will be a miracle. Even if SPV is made and they develop FRCA, even then infamous IA procurement will drown it in never ending trials. When private sector did not take risk in AMCA, why will they take risk in FRCV only. And there are some guys who will only derogate DRDO just to peddle Imports.

 

[GMR]

Lol....and the army will request the following absolutely critical requirements:

• must be able to fight in a rarified oxygen free atmosphere of moon
• must be able to fire 10 different types of rounds
• weight has to be less than 50 ton so it can float in water, and yes must have 4 men crew or if possible 5
• future ready to fly in case terrain is demanding through strap on jet packs
• survive at least 3 direct hits from other tanks
• must have hard kill shield to bring down atms
• engine must be able to take diesel, petrol, gas, or even distilled water
• Ability to incorporate lasers instead of gun...they must be interchangeable in a live battlefield scenario

And once you develop these over next 20 years, we will take another 10 to test it...btw we need DRDO/ISRO to design rockets to take it to moon so we can test.

Meanwhile, lets import Armata or Merkava in the "interim" as "emergency purchases" with nuts and bolts being screwed by HVF unde "Make in India"...and let someone call it a fancy name like so it sounds Indian....

Meanwhile, behind the scenes..........we need scholarships for our kids for UK Univerities, EU shopping trips, Dubai Golden Visas and post retirement benefits to settle in Canada/Australia ...give us those and we will ensure we ask DRDO for all the above "critical requirements"

They may also demand that the vehicle will be invisible if required.. or they may arrange screening of "Black Panther" to identify more requirements.

 

[The Presence]

Where is the tender for AMCA? As for FICV, L&T is already making a prototype. So companies are far more than willing when an actual tender is presented.

You are late to the game. SPV Model already booted out by MoD to teach a lesson to the private players fixated on partnership with foreign companies for AMCA. DRDO is now going ahead with HAL.

 

[Kush Kashyap]

I think L&T should lead the FRCV since they already have built K9 vajra and now building zorawar tanks and DRDO should be given role to build critical systems to and future tech to support the FRCV since DRDO can't build anything on time lol

 

[Rajesh]

Let the FRCV project go along but meanwhile let us develop a 3 crew 125mm autoloader gun Arjun. The present tank can be modified which will be able to reduce the weight by atleast 10 ton.

 

[Akshat]

You are late to the game. SPV Model already booted out by MoD to teach a lesson to the private players fixated on partnership with foreign companies for AMCA. DRDO is now going ahead with HAL.

On the contrary, GoI is going full throttle ahead with private companies. Like giving C295 order to Tata, privatisation of HAL, giving part of DRDO’s budget to private companies and MRFA where every participant has some private partner. In fact, ACM Bhadoria, who joined B J P recently himself said that SPV is a must and blamed ADA and HAL for not letting it happen.

 

[Torontodude]

I think L&T should lead the FRCV since they already have built K9 vajra and now building zorawar tanks and DRDO should be given role to build critical systems to and future tech to support the FRCV since DRDO can't build anything on time lol

Best to go via bidding route. Single vendor orders are not good

 

[Torontodude]

The most important factor is MoD commitment. If they are going to give piece meal orders- 100 today,150 tomorrow- this is a failure even before it starts. There needs to be a strategic commitment of 1500 vehicles to truly achieve fast production and economies of scale.

 

[Mrityunjay Shrivastav]

No tank in the world can meet requirement set by army, it's absurd to even think about tank like that till 2080 or later.

 

[Sridhar]

Let's also get proton torpedoes while we are at it, shall we? Of course, FRCV can wait till 2050, can't it, according to what you are saying?

The guy has already disappeared. He has a mind of his own and listens to no one.

 

[Sridhar]

You’d recommend buy foreign maal, … Javelin, ATHOS, right? These are costly opiums … doesn’t help and mostly hurts.

Forces have to be cajoled to induct the indigenous weapons. That’s the only way forward. First cut maybe barely adequate, but future iterations will bridge the gap with foreign products.

You are so persistent with your propaganda that ATAG is a ‘failure’. For me, it’s a world class product and ticks all the boxes. A good businesses model where even private sector has put in serous money. I find the latest artillery spec to be rigged to give ATHOS an outside chance. A gun that not even inducted by Israel. ATAG demonstrated better mobility with the existing 15T carriages.

Israeli ATHOS price is much less than our own. Please check. And Israel has promised to setup manufacturing facility in India if the deal goes through. Logic is if the requirement is urgent and manufacturing internally will take time then best options- either import or manufacture under ToT or make the vendor manufacture in India ( Make in India) .