Decision On India's Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle Program Likely This Month

The Indian Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) is likely to take a decision later this month about reissuing expression of interest (EoI) for the Army’s futuristic infantry combat vehicle (FICV) program.

“At the recent Defence Procurement Board (DPB) meeting, it was decided to let the DAC take a call about reissuing expression of interest (EoI) for the FICV,” Financial Express reported quoting an unnamed source as saying Tuesday.

The Indian Army had issued a Request for Information (RFI) in June 2015 to design and develop a new generation combat vehicle platform called the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV).

The RFI is for the development of a base platform for the Main Battle Tank which is planned to replace the existing T-72 tanks in the Armored Corps. It is also planned to subsequently develop other need-based variants on this platform.

India’s L&T, Mahindra Defense, Tata Motors, Bharat Forge and Reliance Defense are the contenders for the program.

The potential original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will include US-based General Dynamics, Russian companies under the umbrella of Rosoboronexport and the German Rheinmetall Group, subject to approval, among others.

The earlier EoI for FICV, which is expected to have a life span of 32 years, was issued under the DPP-2008 and it has recommended a minimum 40% indigenous content.