The Indian Army's long-awaited modernization efforts are gaining traction as the Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) project progresses towards user trials later this year, as confirmed by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of the DRDO. This significant milestone is being achieved even before the official unveiling of the vehicle.
The FICV project received a substantial boost last year when the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, greenlit its procurement to replace the Indian Army's aging BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles.
The FICV is envisioned as a cutting-edge amphibious platform, integrating a manned turret equipped with a future combat system (FCS) and fire-and-forget top-attack anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).
Its firepower will be further enhanced by an automatic cannon of at least 30 mm caliber, a co-axial machine gun, and a stabilized remote control weapon station (RCWS) armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun.
The vehicle's survivability is prioritized with the inclusion of active protection and laser warning systems, ensuring the safety of the 11 soldiers it can carry.
Several prominent Indian companies are actively developing FICV prototypes, including state-owned Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) and private sector giants Mahindra Defence Systems, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and Tata Motors. These companies are anticipated to compete for the lucrative large-scale production contract.
The FICV's development marks a significant step forward for India's indigenous defence capabilities and promises to substantially bolster the Indian Army's combat effectiveness in modern warfare scenarios.
