SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army, which has received an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to procure the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV), is set to conduct a rigorous evaluation of potential bidders. The FRCV, which will replace the T-72 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) in the Army’s fleet by 2030, is a significant acquisition program that will see intense scrutiny from domestic and international companies.
To ensure that the FRCV program aligns with the government’s “Make in India” initiative, the Indian Army and DRDO will conduct a special audit of all proposals submitted by public and private sector companies. This audit will focus on verifying the indigenous content of the proposed tanks, preventing the introduction of rebadged foreign MBTs into the Indian market.
The FRCV program involves a substantial order for 1700 MBTs, attracting significant interest from international bidders. Many of these companies are likely to partner with local private sector firms to meet the “Make in India” requirements. However, to avoid the risk of foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) simply rebranding their existing products, bidders will need to demonstrate their commitment to manufacturing the FRCV in India, even in prototype form.
The Indian Army will conduct a series of trials to evaluate the performance and capabilities of the proposed FRCV designs. In addition to international bidders, the DRDO’s Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT) design will also be in the fray.
Only seriously interested private sector companies are expected to participate in the FRCV program. Major contenders are likely to include Mahindra, Kalyani Group, and Tata Systems. The outcome of the bidding process will determine the future of the Indian Army’s main battle tank fleet and its ability to meet evolving security challenges.
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