According to reports, the Indian Army is currently aiming to fast-track the process of acquiring the Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV) and is currently in the process of finalising the technical parameters of the FRCV which will gradually replace the T-72 tanks. The plan is to now have the first prototype in four years and start inducting the vehicles from 2030.

The Army is looking at the FRCV to cater to ‘future capability requirements and enhance overall operational effectiveness index’ in varied terrains. “The role of the FRCV will be to offer multiple options for rapid operational employment,” a source in the defence establishment told the media outlet, ThePrint.

The project, the source added, is currently in the feasibility study stage, to be followed by the issuance of the Preliminary Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) in a few months. PSQR is one of the processes undertaken as part of capital procurement for a preliminary assessment of essential and desirable parameters. “Thereafter, the process of selection of the interested developing agencies would be done.” 

“The Army is looking to procure 1,700 tanks in three phases. The Army expects each phase to deliver nearly 550-600 tanks. However, this depends on the production rate and the agencies that will be selected to manufacture the FRCV,” said the source.

The Army had floated a Request for Information (RFI) for FRCV in June 2021. The project for procurement has attained the Approval in Principle (AIP) under the Make-I Category, which involves government funding of up to 90 percent. The FRCV will developed involving the ‘Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured’ component which requires that the platform be designed indigenously and at least 50% of indigenous content.

Sources explained that a decision on which of the components are to be imported will depend on the two agencies that will be selected and funded for the development of these platforms after completing the 50% criteria. Once commissioned, the FRCVs will remain in service for 35-40 years.

The combat weight of the FRCV, as of today, is envisaged to not exceed 60 tonnes as opposed to the 45-tonne T-72 tanks which they seek to replace. The FRCV would be designed to carry a crew of four troops. Moreover, the Army has expressed its need to be able to transport the FRCV by aircraft, ships, rail and road. As for firepower and lethality, it is conceptualised that the calibre of the main gun would be of 120 mm and above, capable of engaging targets in static and dynamic mode by day and night using suitable ammunition. 

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