The Indian Ministry of Defense has approved a project for developing and producing combat vehicles that will replace the aging Russian-sourced T-72 tanks in service.
This initiative is expected to promote the manufacture of FRCV (Future Ready Combat Vehicles) armored vehicles with cutting-edge features and technology.
Advances in the national development program
The Make I Category project contemplates manufacturing 590 FRCV armored vehicles with government financing of up to 70% for developing prototypes.
The design and development of the project must incorporate at least 50% of nationally manufactured components, which will contribute to strengthening the country’s defense industry.
Versatility and operational capacity
The FRCV will be developed as a modular platform that will allow the manufacture of at least 11 types of tracked vehicles, including the main battle tank. It is speculated that variants such as light-wheeled vehicles, self-propelled howitzers, air defense systems, reconnaissance vehicles, and engineering vehicles may also be created.
In addition, it has been revealed that it will have a 1,500 horsepower engine and can be transported by air, sea, rail and highway. Depending on the terrain, its minimum autonomy will oscillate between 400 km and 500 km.
State-of-the-art technology and weaponry
As for the armament, the new tank will be equipped with a main gun of 120 mm caliber or higher, capable of firing different types of projectiles in static and dynamic modes, both during the day and at night.
The projectiles are expected to have a minimum range of 2,500 meters, 1,600 meters and 5,000 meters in a direct role and up to 10,000 meters in an indirect role. The vehicle will also feature a coaxial machine gun and an anti-aircraft machine gun, both with significant minimum ranges.
New Indian tank: Protection and security
The new tank will feature an Active Protection System (APS), which will include ” soft and hard kill ” elements to detect and neutralize threats such as laser targeting, missile launch, and incoming projectiles. Reactive, non-explosive and scalable explosive armor systems will also be implemented, as well as protection against improvised explosive devices and land mines. These features will ensure a high level of safety for the crew and the vehicle.
The replacement of the Russian T-72 tanks with the new FRCV vehicle will take place in 2030, considering the obsolescence of the old models and the need for more modern and technologically advanced tanks to make
facing current challenges and threats. The FRCV is expected to be a crucial addition in strengthening the defensive capabilities of the Indian Army and ensuring its superiority on the battlefield.
Collaboration with the Indian defense industry
The Indian Ministry of Defense has established strategic partnerships with domestic and foreign industries to ensure the success of the FRCV project. Defense companies have been encouraged to participate in developing and producing the new tank’s components and systems, thereby fostering technology transfer and strengthening the country’s industrial base.
This collaboration is expected to boost the growth of the Indian defense industry, creating employment, stimulating research and development, and promoting the export of advanced military equipment and technology.
Impact on national security
The development of the new FRCV tank will not only strengthen India’s military capability but also have a significant impact on national security . The availability of modern and technologically advanced armored vehicles will enable the Indian armed forces to deal with various threats, both in conventional conflicts and in peacekeeping operations.
Furthermore, the domestic production of the FRCV tanks will reduce India’s reliance on imported military equipment, thus enhancing self-sufficiency and responsiveness in case of conflicts or emergencies.
Conclusion
The development of the new Indian FRCV tank represents an important step towards the modernization and strengthening of the country’s military capabilities. With its advanced technology, operational versatility and combat capability, the FRCV is expected to play a crucial role in defending India and promoting the national defense industry.
The project seeks not only to replace aging T-72 tanks, but also to promote collaboration with the defense industry and strengthen national security. Over time, the FRCV is expected to become a mainstay of the Indian armed forces and a symbol of the country’s technological and production capabilities in the field of defense.
