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The Indian Army is initiating a major modernisation effort to significantly enhance its combat capabilities by acquiring approximately 1,800 next-generation battle tanks.
Under a high-priority initiative known as the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program, these advanced armoured platforms are set to replace the Indian Army's aging fleet of Soviet-origin T-72 tanks, which have been in service for over four decades.
The new tanks will be defined by their deep integration of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and satellite communication networks to ensure a decisive advantage in future conflicts.
Codenamed 'Project Ranjeet', the procurement is one of the army's largest and is estimated to cost between ₹57,000 and ₹60,000 crore.
The plan involves inducting the tanks in three distinct phases, with each phase introducing progressively more advanced technology. The first batch of these future-ready tanks is expected to enter service by 2030.
This ambitious timeline, overseen by the Directorate General of Mechanised Forces, is structured to include 4-5 years for design and prototype development, followed by approximately two years to establish full-scale production lines.
A standout feature of the FRCV will be its capacity for network-centric warfare. The tanks will be equipped to seamlessly link with UAVs and satellite systems, providing their crews with real-time battlefield intelligence and a comprehensive operational picture.
This connectivity will allow the tank to collaborate with other military assets, such as drones, loitering munitions, and attack helicopters, by sharing critical data to enhance the effectiveness of coordinated strikes.
This digital integration will be powered by an AI-based fire control system featuring automatic target detection and tracking, as well as advanced engagement modes like "hunter-killer," which allows the crew to find and engage multiple targets simultaneously.
Designed for operations across India's diverse terrains, from deserts and plains to high-altitude areas, the FRCVs will have a maximum combat weight of around 55 tonnes for greater mobility and transportability.
They will be armed with a minimum 120mm main gun capable of firing specialised ammunition, including armour-piercing rounds.
To ensure crew survival against modern threats, the tanks will be outfitted with next-generation explosive reactive armour (ERA), robust under-belly protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and dedicated anti-drone systems.
Furthermore, they will incorporate defences against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) warfare.
This program is a significant step forward for India's goal of self-reliance in the defence sector under the "Make in India" initiative.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is a primary contender in the development process, having designed a Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT) concept powered by its new, indigenously developed DATRAN 1500 horsepower engine.
The procurement process is designed to foster competition among both public sector undertakings like BEML and BHEL, as well as private Indian firms, ensuring a technologically superior and cost-effective platform is chosen for the nation's future armoured corps.
