India revives near-dead FICV with new tender
India’s revived FICV programme will see a new IFV replace in-service BMP-2 Sarath vehicles. (Gordon Arthur)
The FICV has re-emerged as a major programme for the Indian Army, after lying pretty much dormant for the past 4-5 years.
On 23 June, an RfI from the Indian MoD reinvigorated its flagging effort to enlist a new Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV), designed to replace the venerable BMP-2 IFV in Indian Army service.
The last major effort involved an expression of interest (EoI) for a $10 billion FICV programme in March 2016, to which eight companies responded. On that occasion, the army was seeking 2,600 vehicles, with the government-owned Ordnance Factory Board already down-selected as one manufacturer.
However, that vast quantity has been sharply reduced to 1,750 tracked FICVs under the latest RfI. The Indian Army wants three variants
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![AI-enhanced combat radios: how to turn comms networks into an EW advantage]()
AI-enhanced combat radios: how to turn comms networks into an EW advantage
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming defence communications, boosting situational awareness and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities across the battlespace. Bittium’s new partnership with MarshallAI will significantly enhance networked technology, turning radios into cutting-edge sensors with a range of applications.
-
![Saab Barracuda update prioritises drone protection on modern battlefield]()
Saab Barracuda update prioritises drone protection on modern battlefield
Barracuda multispectral camouflage systems have been developed over decades and are designed to conceal a range of infrared and ultraviolet signals as well as reducing detection by radar.
-
![Romania selects Rheinmetall Lynx IFV as local defence manufacturing expands]()
Romania selects Rheinmetall Lynx IFV as local defence manufacturing expands
As part of a multi-billion-dollar vehicle and artillery overhaul, Romania has officially selected the KF41 Lynx IFV to replace its ageing Soviet-based platforms.
