SOURCE: AFI
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of the DRDO, has confirmed that the Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) is on track for user trials later this year. This significant development comes despite the fact that the vehicle has yet to be officially rolled out.
The FICV project gained substantial momentum last year when the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved its procurement for the Indian Army. The vehicle is intended to replace the aging BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles currently in service.
The FICV is envisioned as an amphibious platform equipped with a manned turret featuring a future combat system (FCS) and fire-and-forget top-attack anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). It will also boast an automatic cannon of at least 30 mm caliber, a co-axial machine gun, and a stabilized remote control weapon station (RCWS) armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun. To enhance survivability, the FICV will incorporate active protection and laser warning systems. The vehicle is designed to transport 11 soldiers.
Several Indian companies, including state-owned Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) and private sector giants Mahindra Defence Systems, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and Tata Motors, are currently developing FICV prototypes. These companies are expected to participate in the competitive bidding process for the large-scale production contract.