India’s infantry fighting vehicle project inches forward at glacial pace
India’s slow-moving FICV(Tr) programme will see a new IFV replace in-service BMP-2 Sarath vehicles at a distant point in the future. (Photo: author)
Unfortunately for the Indian Army, the country's efforts to replace the BMP-2 IFV are now well into their second decade.
The Indian Army revealed that, on 22 December 2022, an acceptance of necessity had been granted for the procurement of new Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles (Tracked) (FICV[Tr]).
The army has long been looking to replace the venerable BMP-2 IFV. Indeed, this effort kicked off in 2009, so it is apparent that minimal progress has been made.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is seeking FICV(Tr) platforms for 49 mechanised infantry battalions, which typically have 51 BMP-2s currently. Each FICV would have a crew of three, and the ability to accommodate eight soldiers.
The acceptance of necessity was for 480 FICV(Tr) units,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Land Warfare
-
![Australian Army experiments with UGVs, but seeks understanding before proliferation]()
Australian Army experiments with UGVs, but seeks understanding before proliferation
The Australian Army is exploring the options and benefits of a wide range of UGVs.
-
![British Army’s Archer hits bullseye for capability and procurement]()
British Army’s Archer hits bullseye for capability and procurement
The Archer artillery system was rushed into service and training of British Army trainers began in October 2023 before live fire trials just over a year later.
-
![NZ begins modernisation of its tactical vehicle fleet]()
NZ begins modernisation of its tactical vehicle fleet
VAMTAC vehicles are expected to replace one-quarter of New Zealand’s Pinzgauers and Unimogs.
-
![Israel’s Elbit Systems riding high and reports almost a billion dollars in orders to close 2024]()
Israel’s Elbit Systems riding high and reports almost a billion dollars in orders to close 2024
Elbit Systems has signed another US$967 million in orders in the past three months after reporting its land revenues increased by 24% for 3Q2024 compared to 3Q 2023 thanks to increasing ammunition and munition sales in Israel.
