SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
India’s journey toward building a future-ready military is gaining momentum with the development of the Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) — a next-generation platform poised to revolutionize the Indian Army’s battlefield mobility and lethality. Cleared for procurement by the Government of India in 2023, the FICV program represents a cornerstone of the Army’s ongoing modernisation and capability enhancement drive.
Currently undergoing rigorous technical evaluations (TEC) , the FICVs are designed to replace the ageing BMP-2/2K fleet and will bring in transformational upgrades in firepower, mobility, protection, and digital battlefield integration. The program is being pursued under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, with an emphasis on indigenous design, development, and manufacturing in partnership with private sector defence players and state-run entities.
The FICVs form a critical part of a broader modernisation roadmap that includes the planned induction of Light Tanks, Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs), Apache Attack Helicopters, Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs), Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), and Swarm Drones. Together, these platforms aim to enhance the Indian Army’s operational capabilities across a wide spectrum of conventional and hybrid threats, particularly along India’s northern and western borders.
With modular design at the core, the FICVs are expected to be highly versatile — equipped with advanced weapon stations, active protection systems, enhanced situational awareness tools, and network-centric warfare capabilities. These attributes will allow the Indian Army to maintain battlefield dominance in both high-intensity conflict and low-intensity operations.
The integration of unmanned technologies and the capacity for joint operation with aerial and artillery assets will further empower FICV units to operate as force multipliers in future conflicts. These combat vehicles will also be tailored for operations in diverse terrains, including deserts, plains, and high-altitude areas.
The FICV initiative reflects India’s strategic emphasis on technological infusion, combat readiness, and self-reliance in defence production. Once fully inducted, these systems are expected to significantly boost the Army’s frontline combat potential and mark a major step in aligning India’s ground forces with 21st-century warfare requirements.
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