FICV Announcement Expected In April, Says Hopeful Textron

As India prepares to announce the winner of the $10 billion FICV project sometime this year, Textron is in talks with Ashok Leyland (ALL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Bharat Forge, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) to supply the avionics and other sub systems for the vehicle.

“We are in discussion with the Indian industry to come on as partner for the project which is likely to take place in April. We will be supplying the avionics and basically supplying the complete system,” Inderjit Sial, President & Managing Director, Textron told defenseworld.net at Aero India 2013.

The Indian MOD is expected to shortlist two vendors for Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICVs) based on technical and commercial criteria under the ‘buy & make’ category.

The FICV will be amphibious and is expected to weigh in at around 22 tonnes. Operated by a three man crew, the vehicle will also carry a seven man team and supplies. Reports suggest half of the FICV will be wheeled, half tracked.

Meanwhile, Textron is also competing to win an UCAV tender issued by the MoD earlier in 2010. The newly inducted UCAVs will be used by the Indian Air Force to fight terrorists in northern Jammu and Kashmir bordering Pakistan. They are also expected to be reusable and operate like combat fighter aircraft.