India’s FRCV looks far into the future
India is looking to replace its current T-72 tank fleet with the nascent FRCV. (Gordon Arthur)
The Indian Army relaunches the tortuous pursuit of replacement of its existing fleet of T-72 tanks.
In a move to replace the Indian Army’s existing tank fleet, the MoD has released a 13-page RfI to foreign OEMs for 1,770 new-generation main battle tanks – called the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) – under the Strategic Partnership model.
The medium-weight FRCV is to replace some 2,000 Russian T-72s in the armoured corps. It is to be a standardised modular armoured vehicle for a family of supporting platforms, and commonality is projected to bring in a significant reduction in training, maintenance and spares.
Given continued tensions with China on the northeast border, the RfI is China-centric, keeping
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![First gun barrels for British Army howitzers due from Rheinmetall’s new UK factory in 2027]()
First gun barrels for British Army howitzers due from Rheinmetall’s new UK factory in 2027
The new Rheinmetall facility will supply barrels for UK RCH 155 howitzers and Challenger 3 tanks while also opening up potential export opportunities, providing a currently absent national capability.
-
![Germany increases Arrow missile defence deal to $6.1 billion as American interest grows]()
Germany increases Arrow missile defence deal to $6.1 billion as American interest grows
Germany’s move to buy Israel Aerospace Industries’ Arrow missile defence system became public in mid-2023 with approval from the US government shortly after. The first operational system is expected to be in service before 2030.
-
![Sweden’s recent air defence spend tips to $6 billion with 2026 procurement planned]()
Sweden’s recent air defence spend tips to $6 billion with 2026 procurement planned
Procurement of various short-range systems will begin in the first quarter of 2026, with additional procurements to be made later in the year.
