Tata and Bharat-Forge Confirms to Develop Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle

Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo saw the confirmation of a landmark partnership for India's defense sector. Private sector giants Tata and Bharat-Forge will lead the development and production of the Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) under the Development cum Production Partners (DcPP) program.

This move signals continued progress in India's push to boost indigenous defense manufacturing.

This selection of Tata and Bharat-Forge as Development cum Production Partners capitalizes on the Defence Acquisition Council's (DAC) approval last year to acquire FICVs for the Indian Army. Chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, the DAC's green light set the stage for this crucial technological upgrade.

The FICV program is a cornerstone of the Indian Army's modernization strategy. The plan to procure 750 of these indigenous, amphibious, and tracked FICVs will facilitate the long overdue retirement of the Army's aging BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles (ICVs) of Soviet-era origin. This replacement will significantly enhance the Indian Army's ground combat capabilities.

Conclusion​

The Tata-Bharat-Forge collaboration on the FICV demonstrates India's growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. This project not only signifies a technological leap forward for the Indian Army but also underscores the ongoing evolution of India's defense industry as a global player.

 

[Priyan]

750? How is 750 enough? I'm hoping 750 is just the initial order.

 

[Anant]

750? How is 750 enough? I'm hoping 750 is just the initial order.

Almost certainly will be the initial order. We currently have around 2500 BMP-2s in service plus around 400 BMP-1s in storage. Moreover, there are some 600 vehicles in service or on order (with more planned), all of which are based on the BMP-2.

We will need some 3000 or more FICVs, not 750. Hence, this is just the initial order.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

OFB Avadi has been doing good work as well. Over the years it has gained expertise. Lets include it as well in FICV and other futuristic programs.

 

[Frank]

BMP can be converted into namica and mobile air defense platform

 

[Akshat]

L&T was also granted funds for this. Seems like it will be a good contest now. This is how globally countries make products. India should also look at doing this in more products. Let’s open up LCA mk2 and AMCA as well. ADA and HAL are anyways not developing it in the next 2 decades at least.

 

[Sunish Mangat]

And it will go same as atags...No orders

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

750? How is 750 enough? I'm hoping 750 is just the initial order.

well, after 750, they will make improvements n then give further order. Tech is always evolving, so orders are made in packages rather than all at once.