The Indian Army's next-generation main battle tank (MBT), developed under the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program, will be officially known as "Ranjeet."
The name, steeped in history, honors Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a legendary Sikh ruler renowned for his military acumen and staunch defence of sovereignty.
This choice reflects the tank's intended role in bolstering India's defence capabilities and promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing, a key goal of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The FRCV program seeks to replace the Indian Army's aging T-72 tanks with a modern, versatile platform capable of meeting the demands of 21st-century warfare. The "Ranjeet" is envisioned as a multi-role tank adaptable to diverse combat scenarios, incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, and network-centric warfare capabilities.
The FRCV program also aims to develop a family of combat vehicles, including light tanks and armored recovery vehicles, based on the "Ranjeet" platform.
The selection of "Ranjeet" as the FRCV's name symbolizes the tank's intended attributes: strength, strategic thinking, and resilience. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, known for unifying the Sikh Empire and forging a formidable military force, embodies these qualities.
The FRCV "Ranjeet" is expected to carry forward this legacy, demonstrating Indian ingenuity in armored vehicle design and manufacturing, and supporting both defensive and offensive operations.
The Indian Army has outlined key requirements for the FRCV "Ranjeet," focusing on advanced technology, firepower, and survivability:
- Network-Centric and AI-Enabled: The "Ranjeet" will be integrated into a network-centric warfare ecosystem, featuring digital communication systems, situational awareness tools, and AI-assisted targeting to enhance coordination and tactical decision-making.
- Enhanced Firepower: The tank will be equipped with a high-caliber main gun capable of firing a variety of ammunition, including armor-piercing and anti-personnel rounds. It will also be capable of engaging targets beyond line-of-sight and compatible with future ammunition technologies.
- Advanced Armor and Survivability: The "Ranjeet" will feature modular and upgradable armor, along with active protection systems to counter anti-tank munitions, ensuring its survivability against evolving threats.
- Mobility and Adaptability: Designed to operate across India's diverse terrain, the "Ranjeet" will possess advanced suspension, a high power-to-weight ratio, and the ability to maneuver effectively in challenging environments, from deserts and high-altitude regions to plains.
Major Indian defence companies, along with public sector units like the Ordnance Factory Board and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), are expected to play key roles in the "Ranjeet's" development and production.
The MoD has invited foreign OEMs to collaborate on the project, with a focus on technology transfer, localization, and strengthening India's strategic autonomy in defence production. Potential partners from Russia, Israel, and Europe could contribute expertise in areas such as armor technology, firepower systems, and electronics, complementing India's indigenous capabilities.
