SOURCE: AFI
Tata Advanced Materials Limited (TAML) is set to participate in the Indian Army’s prestigious Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) program, aimed at replacing the aging fleet of BMP-II Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). As one of the key players in India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem, Tata plans to offer a cutting-edge solution that leverages its experience in armored vehicles. Central to Tata’s offering will be the integration of the same 600-horsepower (Hp) Cummins engine, paired with the Allison automatic transmission, currently used in its Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP).
The Indian Army has been operating BMP-II vehicles since the 1980s, and while they have seen several upgrades over the years, they are now outdated in terms of protection, firepower, and mobility. The FICV program, which seeks to replace over 2,600 BMP-IIs, is a critical step toward modernizing India’s armored infantry capabilities. The new FICV will be expected to operate across various terrains, from plains and deserts to high-altitude regions like Ladakh, making mobility and versatility essential factors in the design.
Tata Advanced Materials is poised to offer an FICV based on the technologies already developed for the WhAP (Wheeled Armoured Platform), which was co-developed with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The WhAP is an 8×8 amphibious Armoured vehicle designed for use in a variety of roles, including as an infantry carrier, reconnaissance vehicle, and fire support platform. The success of the WhAP platform has given Tata significant expertise in developing Armoured vehicles tailored to the Indian Army’s requirements.
Tata’s proposal for the FICV will feature the 600Hp Cummins engine, known for its reliability and robustness in harsh operational environments. The engine is already in service with the WhAP and has demonstrated its capabilities in providing sufficient power to maneuver across diverse terrains, from rugged mountains to urban combat zones. The engine’s ability to support amphibious operations, a requirement for the FICV program, further strengthens Tata’s case.
The engine will be mated to an Allison automatic transmission, which is also deployed in the WhAP. This transmission is valued for its seamless power delivery, reducing driver fatigue and enhancing vehicle performance in challenging operational conditions. The pairing of Cummins’ power with Allison’s proven transmission system provides the FICV with high mobility and efficiency, crucial factors for infantry combat vehicles in modern warfare.
Tata’s FICV will be a multi-role, next-generation platform designed to meet the Indian Army’s evolving battlefield needs. Key features and benefits of the Tata FICV offering include:
Firepower: While exact armament specifications are still to be confirmed, the FICV is expected to support a range of weapon systems, including an automatic cannon, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), and machine guns. This ensures that the vehicle will provide robust fire support to infantry units during combat operations.
Advanced Mobility: Powered by the 600Hp Cummins engine and Allison transmission, the vehicle will have enhanced mobility to operate effectively across varied landscapes, including desert, urban, and high-altitude regions. Its ability to perform amphibious operations adds to its tactical flexibility.
Modular Armor: Tata’s extensive experience in advanced materials will be utilized to provide modular armor options for the FICV, allowing for scalable protection levels based on mission requirements. This includes ballistic and mine protection to safeguard the crew and infantry in high-threat environments.
Amphibious Capability: Like the WhAP, Tata’s FICV will be capable of amphibious operations, ensuring it can cross rivers and other water obstacles without the need for additional engineering support, an essential feature for operations in diverse regions such as riverine or marshy areas.
Versatile Payloads: Tata’s design will allow the FICV to be adapted for various configurations, including troop transport, command and control, reconnaissance, and anti-tank roles. This flexibility is key to supporting diverse operational needs, making it a multi-role asset for the Army.
Digital Battlefield Integration: The FICV will be equipped with advanced electronic systems to integrate seamlessly into the Army’s battlefield management systems. This includes sensors, communications equipment, and the capability to support unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems for enhanced situational awareness and combat effectiveness.
Tata’s entry into the FICV competition underscores India’s broader goal of reducing reliance on foreign defence imports. The FICV program is expected to be developed under the Strategic Partnership (SP) model, which encourages partnerships between Indian defence manufacturers and foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Tata, with its established manufacturing capabilities and collaborations, is well-positioned to lead a consortium of Indian and foreign partners to deliver a world-class FICV solution.