SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program is setting an ambitious course for the modernization of the Indian Army’s armoured forces by developing a next-generation main battle tank (MBT) to replace its ageing fleet of T-72 tanks. The program is not only focused on creating a more advanced, capable tank but is also exploring the potential for autonomous, unmanned combat vehicles.
These unmanned MBTs are envisioned to operate autonomously, leveraging direct satellite links for real-time battlefield data exchange, robust communication networks, and advanced firepower capabilities to transform combat operations. Here’s a look into the transformative technology and vision guiding India’s FRCV program.
The FRCV program’s interest in autonomous MBTs reflects key lessons drawn from recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, where conventional tanks have shown vulnerabilities on the battlefield. The potential to deploy autonomous, remotely operated MBTs not only reduces the risk to human crews but also enhances combat flexibility by providing adaptable, rapid-response assets in dynamic environments. Autonomous MBTs promise to address several operational challenges, enabling:
- Greater resilience against anti-tank threats, as autonomous operation removes crew from the front lines.
- Enhanced situational awareness through real-time data-sharing capabilities, allowing MBTs to act as both sensors and firepower on the battlefield.
- Improved tactical versatility by operating both as individual units and in coordinated groups with other manned and unmanned assets.
For unmanned MBTs, satellite connectivity is crucial for operational reliability. These next-generation combat vehicles will connect directly to satellites, providing continuous, real-time situational awareness and image data transmission to command centres. This connectivity enables unmanned MBTs to:
- Transmit battlefield visuals and intelligence back to command, allowing operators to monitor and direct operations with real-time insights.
- Receive tactical updates on enemy positions, environmental changes, and mission objectives, ensuring alignment with the broader battlefield strategy.
- Synchronize with other critical assets, such as drones and reconnaissance units, to share intelligence and coordinate attacks effectively.
This satellite-based link, when integrated with autonomous control systems, allows these tanks to conduct operations with limited human input, reacting to battlefield changes with agility and precision.
The FRCV program envisions unmanned MBTs equipped with multi-network communication architectures, creating an interconnected combat ecosystem that seamlessly integrates with the Indian Army’s existing networks, including the AWAN (Army Wide Area Network). Additionally, these autonomous MBTs will operate on an IP mesh network, allowing for:
- Fluid communication among manned and unmanned vehicles in convoy or group formation, maintaining contact even in disrupted or degraded environments.
- Self-healing, self-forming mesh capabilities, enable data packets to find the most efficient path to their destination, ensuring a resilient connection even if certain links are compromised.
- Interlinking with other battlefield assets, such as infantry, artillery, and aerial support, establishing a fully integrated combat network that shares mission-critical data across platforms.
The IP mesh network not only facilitates secure and continuous data exchange but also ensures that autonomous MBTs can act as nodes within a broader communication system, enabling information flow across the battlefield.
The unmanned MBTs developed under the FRCV program will be designed with advanced firepower capabilities. Autonomous targeting and engagement systems are expected to be central to their design, allowing these tanks to:
- Identify and prioritize enemy assets on the battlefield autonomously, reacting faster than traditional MBTs.
- Coordinate fire support with other units, enhancing strike accuracy and reducing collateral damage by leveraging real-time target data.
- Support seamless integration with fire control systems to accurately direct weapons, including cannons, missiles, and other payloads.
The FRCV’s autonomous MBTs will thus act not only as powerful offensive assets but also as nodes within an integrated battle command system, helping commanders gain a comprehensive view of the battle space and execute operations with precision.
The development of unmanned MBTs is currently in the conceptual and planning phase under the FRCV program.
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