The Indian Army is preparing for a comprehensive evaluation of companies vying to build the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV), a critical program aimed at replacing the aging T-72 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) by 2030.
With an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) already in place for the procurement of 1,700 FRCVs, the competition is expected to be fierce, attracting both domestic and international players.
A key aspect of the evaluation process will be a special audit conducted by the Indian Army and DRDO. This audit will focus on ensuring adherence to the government's "Make in India" initiative by verifying the indigenous content of each proposed tank. This step is crucial to prevent the submission of rebranded foreign MBTs and to promote the growth of India's domestic defence industry.
While international companies are expected to participate, they will need to demonstrate a strong commitment to manufacturing the FRCV in India, even at the prototype stage. This may involve partnering with local private sector firms like Mahindra, Kalyani Group, and Tata Systems, who are considered major contenders in the FRCV program.
The evaluation will involve rigorous trials to assess the performance and capabilities of the proposed FRCV designs. The DRDO's own Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT) will also be a contender in this competition.
The selection process will prioritize genuine interest and commitment to the "Make in India" initiative, ensuring that the chosen FRCV is truly a product of Indian manufacturing and contributes to the country's self-reliance in defence technology.
The FRCV program represents a significant step in modernizing the Indian Army's armored fleet and ensuring its preparedness for future challenges. The outcome of the bidding process will have a lasting impact on the Indian defence landscape, shaping the future of its main battle tank fleet and its ability to meet evolving security threats.
