SOURCE: AFI
Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML Ltd), a leading Indian public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has taken a significant step toward bolstering India’s armored capabilities. On March 26, 2025, the company announced an Expression of Interest (EoI) for a License and Technology Collaboration Agreement (TCA) aimed at the joint development of an Armoured Fighting Vehicle – Future Ready Combat Vehicle (AFV-FRCV) for the Indian Army. This move underscores BEML’s commitment to advancing indigenous defense manufacturing while aligning with the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative.
The EoI, highlighted in posts on X by @alpha_defense and others, invites prospective technology collaborators from around the globe to partner with BEML Ltd. The TCA will empower BEML to undertake a comprehensive scope of work, including the design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly, testing, supply, field installation, commissioning, repair, service, and retrofitting of the AFV-FRCV. This ambitious project aims to deliver a next-generation combat vehicle tailored to the Indian Army’s evolving operational needs, ensuring it remains future-ready in an era of rapidly advancing military technology.
The AFV-FRCV is envisioned as a versatile, modular platform that will serve as the backbone of the Indian Army’s mechanized forces. It is part of the broader Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program, which seeks to replace the Army’s aging fleet of T-72 tanks with a state-of-the-art system capable of meeting contemporary and future battlefield challenges. The FRCV is expected to feature advanced armor protection, enhanced mobility, and cutting-edge firepower, while also incorporating technologies such as active protection systems, situational awareness tools, and potentially unmanned capabilities.
The Indian Army has outlined a phased induction plan for the FRCV, with an initial goal of deploying prototypes by 2030. The vehicle’s design is anticipated to support a family of variants, including main battle tanks, armored recovery vehicles, and self-propelled artillery, all built on a common platform. This modularity will streamline maintenance, logistics, and upgrades, ensuring long-term operational efficiency.
The development of the AFV-FRCV comes at a critical juncture for India’s defense strategy. With regional tensions and the need for rapid deployment capabilities in diverse terrains—from the deserts of Rajasthan to the high-altitude regions of Ladakh—the Indian Army requires a modern, adaptable combat vehicle. The FRCV program is a deliberate shift away from reliance on foreign imports, which have historically dominated India’s armored fleet, including the Russian T-72 and T-90 tanks.
By spearheading this project, BEML Ltd not only strengthens India’s defense industrial base but also positions itself as a key player in the global defense market. The successful development of the AFV-FRCV could open doors for exports, showcasing India’s ability to produce world-class military hardware.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.