SOURCE: AFI
India’s quest for modernizing its armored capabilities has taken a significant leap forward as the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) is now developing a new 120mm smoothbore caliber gun for the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program. This new development marks a departure from the 120mm rifled gun used in the Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) and signals a shift towards international trends in tank armament systems.
The decision to transition from the rifled cannon of the Arjun to a smoothbore design for the FRCV reflects India’s ambition to adopt next-generation technologies and stay competitive on the modern battlefield. Smoothbore cannons have become the global standard for main battle tanks due to their ability to fire fin-stabilized projectiles with high velocity and precision. With the FRCV program, the Indian Army aims to introduce a highly advanced armored fighting vehicle to replace the aging T-72 fleet and meet future combat requirements.
The Arjun MBT, India’s indigenously developed main battle tank, uses a 120mm rifled gun, which provides advantages such as better accuracy at long ranges when firing traditional tank munitions like high-explosive squash head (HESH) rounds. However, rifled guns are generally considered less effective for firing the kinetic energy-based APFSDS rounds due to the spin imparted by the rifling, which can decrease the effectiveness of fin-stabilized projectiles.
While the rifled gun design has been effective in some combat scenarios, the global trend, especially in newer tank designs, has leaned toward smoothbore technology for its superior performance in delivering high-energy rounds and adaptability to modern ammunition types.
The FRCV program is envisioned as a cutting-edge armored platform that will form the backbone of the Indian Army’s future armored units. It aims to replace the aging T-72 tanks, which have been in service for decades, with a more modern, versatile, and combat-ready platform.
The decision to integrate a 120mm smoothbore gun aligns with the program’s goal to equip the FRCV with advanced firepower capable of countering modern threats on the battlefield. The new platform is expected to incorporate cutting-edge technology in mobility, protection, and firepower, making it a highly capable armored fighting vehicle for future conflicts.
The ARDE-developed smoothbore gun will likely be paired with advanced fire control systems, thermal imagers, and sophisticated targeting aids, providing the FRCV with the ability to engage targets with high accuracy, even in adverse conditions.
Developing a new 120mm smoothbore gun comes with its own set of challenges, especially in terms of design, production, and integration. However, ARDE has significant experience in the development of large-caliber weaponry, and this expertise will be crucial in ensuring the success of this new venture.
The development of the 120mm smoothbore gun for the FRCV is just one component of a broader push by India to modernize its defense forces. With the FRCV program, India is not just building a next-generation tank but is also seeking to develop a platform that can be adapted for various roles and missions. This includes variants for infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), anti-aircraft platforms, and other specialized roles, which could benefit from the versatility of a smoothbore gun.