SOURCE: AFI
Russia is set to propose its BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) for India’s prestigious Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) program, aimed at replacing the aging Soviet-era BMP-II fleet that has been the backbone of the Indian Army’s Mechanised Infantry since the 1980s. The FICV project is a critical modernization effort by the Indian Army to enhance its capabilities, especially in light of ongoing border tensions and increasing security threats.
The Indian Army’s FICV program was initiated to replace its aging fleet of BMP-IIs, which have long outlived their operational utility. The BMP-IIs have been heavily deployed, particularly along India’s northern borders to counter China’s cross-border transgressions. However, they suffer from several limitations, including the lack of night-fighting capability, modern sensors, and anti-drone systems—crucial aspects in today’s modern battlefield environment.
The FICV, envisioned as a modular and upgradable platform, will allow future enhancements with simple modifications. It must meet several key requirements set out by the Army in its Request for Information (RFI), such as amphibious capability, advanced laser warning systems, active protection systems, and an unmanned weapon turret. The armament suite should include a 30mm automatic cannon, fire-and-forget top-attack anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), and a 12.7mm stabilized remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS). Additionally, the vehicle needs to maintain a high level of mobility, boasting a 30hp/tonne power-to-weight ratio and a combat load of 2.5 tonnes, all while being able to accommodate a crew of 11 personnel.
The Russian BMP-3 is a tracked, amphibious infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) that could meet the Indian Army’s FICV requirements. Developed as the successor to the BMP-1 and BMP-2, the BMP-3 entered service in 1990 and quickly earned a reputation for its firepower, mobility, and versatility. With Russia offering the BMP-3 for India’s FICV project, it stands out as a proven and battle-tested platform with significant firepower and modern capabilities.
The BMP-3’s armament suite includes a 100mm cannon-missile launcher, a 30mm automatic cannon, and a 7.62mm machine gun integrated into a weapon station, providing robust firepower for various combat scenarios. It also features two 7.62mm hull-mounted machine guns. The vehicle’s fire-control systems can be equipped with modern sighting systems such as the SOZh-M, Vesna-K, or Sodema, enhancing its operability in day/night and low-visibility conditions. Additionally, it can be fitted with the AST-B automatic target tracker, which increases its targeting efficiency.
One of the key advantages of the BMP-3 is its ability to deliver aimed fire while moving, thanks to its two-plane weapon stabilizer. This allows the vehicle to fire accurately while off-road at speeds up to 30 km/h and even in water at Sea State 1. The BMP-3’s amphibious capability, combined with its advanced firepower and sighting systems, makes it a strong contender for the FICV project.
While the BMP-3 brings several advantages to the table, the FICV project will likely see stiff competition from other international and domestic contenders. The Indian government’s emphasis on indigenization under the “Make in India” initiative means that the Russian offering may need to include significant local manufacturing and technology transfer agreements to be competitive. Moreover, the Indian Army will need to balance the advantages of proven, foreign platforms like the BMP-3 against the benefits of developing an indigenous solution tailored to its specific operational requirements.