SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant step toward modernizing its infantry forces, India has successfully completed the firing trial of a crewless 30mm turret designed for the Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV). The FICV program, initiated by the Indian Army to replace its aging fleet of BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles, aims to deliver a next-generation platform capable of operating in diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions like Ladakh and the deserts of Rajasthan. The crewless 30mm turret, a key component of the FICV, is designed to provide enhanced firepower, situational awareness, and survivability while reducing risks to personnel.
The crewless design leverages remote operation technology, allowing the turret to be controlled from a protected compartment within the FICV or even from a remote command station. This reduces the crew’s exposure to direct threats, a critical advantage in modern warfare where anti-armor weapons and drones pose significant risks.
The successful firing trial, conducted at a military range in India, tested the turret’s ability to engage static and moving targets under simulated combat conditions. The 30mm cannon demonstrated accuracy and reliability, while the ATGM launcher successfully hit targets at extended ranges, validating the turret’s multi-role capabilities.
The FICV program, valued at over $10 billion, has been a cornerstone of India’s defense modernization efforts under the “Make in India” initiative. The successful trial of the 30mm turret marks a milestone in the program, which has faced delays due to bureaucratic hurdles and competing proposals from private and public sector firms like Tata, Mahindra, and the Ordnance Factory Board (now Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd.). The turret’s design, likely developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), showcases India’s growing expertise in unmanned systems and fire control technology.
The turret, as depicted in a schematic diagram, features several advanced systems:
- 30mm Main Gun: Capable of engaging light armored vehicles, infantry, and low-flying aerial targets with high precision.
- ATGM Launcher: Equipped to fire Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs), enabling the FICV to neutralize heavily armored threats at long ranges.
- Commander’s Panoramic Sight: Offers 360-degree situational awareness, allowing remote operators to detect and track targets effectively.
- Gunner Sight: Provides accurate targeting data, integrated with advanced fire control systems for improved hit probability.
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