Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, has confirmed the company's intention to participate in India's Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) and Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) programs, initiated by the Indian Army. These programs aim to modernize the army's mechanized infantry vehicles.
In 2021, the Indian Army issued a Request for Information (RFI) for over 1,700 Future Ready Combat Vehicles, receiving responses from 12 global companies. Tata Motors previously partnered with Bharat Forge and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) from the US to collaborate on these projects.
The FICV program is focused on developing tracked infantry combat vehicles to replace aging BMP-1 and BMP-2 vehicles in service. Mahindra Defence Systems, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and Tata Motors, among others, are actively involved in developing prototypes.
As government-funded programs, selected companies may receive up to 80% of development costs. The prototype development phase is expected to last four years, followed by a two-year testing phase before potential production, slated to begin by 2030-31. These programs represent significant opportunities for defense manufacturers in India.
Edited By: Aman Sirigineedi | Brahmastra Services
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