Abstract: The government’s nod for the Future Ready Combat Vehicle, replacing T-72 Main Battle Tanks, will enhance the operational capability of the Indian Armed Forces. The project will also boost domestic manufacturing and enhance the prospects of exports to friendly foreign countries.
Introduction
On 3 September 2024, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), Ministry of Defence (MoD), accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to the capital procurement of 10 proposals worth Rs 1.45 lakh crores.[i] The acquisition decision of the MoD, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will be processed under the Buy (Indian) and Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) categories of the Defence Acquisition Procedures (DAP). Among these proposals, the one for India’s future tanks, the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV), bagged the major limelight. Among other prominent proposals, procuring the Dornier-228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard and the Fire Control Radar system for the Army Air Defence also got approval.[ii]
The FRCV Project
The FRCV, a decade-long plan, has finally got the green flag from the MoD to be built by the domestic manufacturers and procured by the Indian Army to equip them with a modern tank fleet. The FRCV will replace the ageing fleet of the Soviet-origin T-72 Main Battle Tanks (MBT), which has been in service for over four decades, and its upgraded variants, T-72 Mk-1 Ajeya and T-72 Mk-2.[iii] Through this project, the Indian Army is all set to retire its veteran fleet of T-72 tanks, replacing them with the FRCV by 2030. This decision to induct 1,770 FRCV MBT will enhance the mobility and operational capabilities of the Armoured Corps in field areas. The FRCV project, estimated to be around Rs 60,000 crores, will be processed under the Make-1 category of the procurement procedures, where 70 per cent of the overall cost will be sourced from the government and the rest by the shortlisted firms.[iv] The FRCV is expected to serve as the main battle tank of the Indian Armed Forces for the next 35–45 years.
The Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) is expected to fuse with emerging private defence companies for the project. The FRCV project is planned to be implemented in three distinct phases, where enhanced technologies will be introduced in every phase, from incorporating already existing technologies to advanced innovation. As a weapon of both offensive and defensive warfare, the FRCV project will ensure maximum agility, lethality, and survivability of our upcoming tank fleet and make them combat-ready in any critical situation. In each phase, around 550–600 tanks are anticipated to be delivered by the vendors.[v]
Following the DAC’s approval, the Indian Army will release an Expression of Interest (EoI) based on the Service Qualitative Requirements (SQRs) detailing its desired capability and specifications. The EoI will be responded to by the interested firms or vendors meeting the SQRs. Following their response, the Indian Army will officially raise the Request for Proposals (RFPs) for the vendors to request the complete information and bid for the project. The shortlisted companies will initially be required to produce the prototypes of the FRCV in the next 3–4 years, the developmental phase of the project. The prototypes will then undergo tests and trials in different terrain and weather conditions to verify if they meet the army’s SQRs. Based on the trials and performances of the prototypes, the project will transit to the production phase, where the Indian Army will place final orders. However, the MoD FRCV project’s ability to meet the Army’s requirements depends on the supplier’s performance, production capability, and timely delivery of the tanks. Consequently, the MoD and Army will closely observe the pace of the project in the development phase to avoid further delay in the finalisation of the project.
Why FRCV?
There could be two significant reasons for the replacement of the T-72 tanks. First, the ageing of the T-72 fleets. Second, reports regarding the sub-optimal performance of the Russian tanks in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. However, the Indian Army has negated such reports by calling them a technical and logistic failure rather than the tank’s incapability, and ordered upgrades for the existing tanks besides induction of the next-generation tanks, such as the FRCV.[vi]
The FRCV is expected to be equipped with modern technologies, such as superior mobility, all-terrain adaptability, multilayered protection, precision guidance, lethal firepower, and real-time situational awareness. The FRCV is not just mechanical hardware rather an electronic military equipment where Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven technologies such as drone and enhanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) integration with the air and land warfare systems will allow it to operate under a blended network of human-machine interface. The project is also planned to have enhanced survivability against aerial threats, such as rogue drones, artillery attacks, and loitering munitions.[vii]
Although the project is anticipated to be a game changer at borders and other field positions, their capability to adapt to difficult terrain, such as desert/arid, high-altitude, glaciers, riverine, forest, and swamp, will be a big challenge. Moreover, FRCVs’ capability to operate in extreme weather, such as scorching heat, cold deserts, and hazy and rainy conditions, will also be worth seeing. The anti-drone and early warning system at FRCV will be a test for the project, mainly at the northern borders of Pakistan, where threats of rogue drones have significantly increased over the last few years.
In the recent past, India has developed strong defence ties with many African, West Asian, and South East Asian countries and invited many of them to the DefExpo programme to showcase its evolving defence manufacturing strength. With African countries, India has initiated the India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) since 2020,[viii] a mechanism to boost joint training, military exercises, anti-piracy operations, Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR), arms trade, and industry cooperation to promote co-development and co-production of arms. The accomplishment of the FRCV project could bring India an opportunity to cooperate with foreign partners to develop future arms equipment.
From FMBT to FRCV: A Long Voyage of Transformation
The journey of the FRCV has been transformative yet challenging. The quest for new-generation tanks was initially planned during 2008–2009 under the Futuristic Main Battle Tanks (FMBT) project when the T-72 had almost completed three decades in service and was nearing retirement.[ix] The MoD had to take a call between either upgrading or replacing the in-service T-72 fleet. At the time, the upgrade of the various operational tanks was preferred; however, the call for replacing the T-72s with the new-generation tanks became prominent. On 6 December 2010, the project for the FMBT was raised by the then Defence Minister A. K. Antony in the Indian Parliament, which was to be developed by 2020.[x] However, the complexities of the defence procurement procedures and lack of clarity regarding FMBT’s specifications led to the project being called off for a certain period.
In 2015, the Director General of Mechanized Forces (DGMF) issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the FRCV to invite interests and proposals from domestic vendors to work on the FRCV project based on the SQRs.[xi] The RFI was issued under the Make 1 category of the updated DPP, where the entire project was brought under the flagship initiative of the ‘Make in India’ programme, where the government was responsible for bearing the significant cost of the FRCV project. The RFI in 2015 was intended to complete the FRCV project by 2025–2027.[xii] However, a change in regime, shifting priorities, and other challenges brought the project into a deep freeze.
In May 2021, another RFI was issued to procure 1,770 FRCV along with performance-based logistic support, engineering support package, maintenance and training support, and technology transfer.[xiii] However, the plan could not materialise. Finally, through the FRCV project, the government has taken the bold step towards modernising arms and indigenisation of the arms industry.
A Step towards AtmaNirbharta: The Positive Indigenisation List approach
The FRCV project will significantly boost the defence indigenisation plans of the Government of India (GoI) under the ambitious AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiative. The FRCV has also been listed in the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), Ministry of Defence.[xiv] The PILs maintained by the DMA contain items, such as highly complex systems, weapons and ammunition, sensors, platforms, and heavy equipment that are entitled to be developed and procured from domestic manufacturers. The PIL was launched in 2020 under the AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiative to wilfully push the indigenisation of arms manufacturing by putting a complete embargo on foreign imports. So far, the DMA has released five such lists containing 509 items to be banned for imports and to be manufactured by domestic firms. The first PIL was issued in August 2020, containing 101 items,[xv] whereas the fifth list, with 98 items, was released in October 2023. India’s rising arms exports to friendly foreign countries in recent years have proven the worth of the PIL scheme. The AtmaNirbhar Bharat programme has provided a significant impetus to India’s self-reliance and independence in arms manufacturing.
Conclusion
Tanks have always been a crucial component of the Indian Armed Forces. As almost half of India’s border is surrounded by neighbouring countries, its military needs robust land-based equipment integrated with the elements of air warfare. Tank is the only platform that simultaneously fulfils both the offensive and defensive objectives of the military commander and justifies its worth. Consequently, it is pertinent for India to have modern combat-ready tanks in its armoury. The FRCV has significant potential to deal with land- and air-based challenges, making it a major bulwark against threats erupting at borders along China and Pakistan.
The FRCV project is not just a military component but an opportunity for India to showcase its strength and manufacturing capability to produce modern tanks domestically. Moreover, the project will synergise the cooperation between the public and private sectors by promoting the co-development and co-production of defence systems, and energise the private defence & dual use sector.
The successful implementation of the project could also enhance the prospects of exporting FRCV to friendly foreign countries. The government’s green signal to the FRCV project represents its seriousness towards India’s arms modernisation and indigenisation of arms industries under the AtmaNirbharta initiative. The initiative has economically benefited India by promoting arms exports and cooperation between Indian and foreign defence contractors. Also, the FRCV project could encourage foreign arms companies to invest and collaborate with the DRDO and other private companies to develop a similar defence system for their armed forces based on their service requirements.
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*Mukesh Kumar, Research Associate, Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi.
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal.
Endnotes
[i] “DAC Approves 10 Capital Acquisition Proposals Worth Rs 1.45 Lakh Crore to Enhance Defence Preparedness.” Accessed September 19, 2024. https://pib.gov.in/pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=2051323.
[ii] Ibid
[iii] Suciu, Peter. “India Wants to ‘Scrap’ Its Russian-Designed T-72 Tanks.” Text. The National Interest, September 10, 2024. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/india-wants-scrap-its-russian-designed-t-72-tanks-212619.
[iv] Deshpande, Smruti. “Defence Ministry Approves Future Ready Combat Vehicles Procurement. Here’s the Roadmap for the Project.” ThePrint, September 4, 2024. https://theprint.in/defence/defence-ministry-approves-future-ready-combat-vehicles-procurement-heres-the-roadmap-for-the-project/2251918/.
[v] The Times of India. “Army Eyes Rs 57,000cr Project to Make Combat Vehicles to Replace T-72 Tanks.” February 19, 2024. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/army-eyes-57000cr-project-to-make-combat-vehicles-to-replace-t-72-tanks/articleshow/107801757.cms.
[vi] The Times of India. “Army Eyes Rs 57,000cr Project to Make Combat Vehicles to Replace T-72 Tanks.” February 19, 2024. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/army-eyes-57000cr-project-to-make-combat-vehicles-to-replace-t-72-tanks/articleshow/107801757.cms.
[vii] Financial Express. “Defence Acquisition Council Clears Rs 1,44,716 Crore Worth of Proposals: A Major Boost for India’s Military Modernization,” September 3, 2024. https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-defence-acquisition-council-clears-rs-144716-crore-worth-of-proposals-a-major-boost-for-indias-military-modernization-3600619/.
[viii] Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. “1st India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave 2020, Lucknow.” Accessed September 22, 2024. https://mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/32380/1st_IndiaAfrica_Defence_Ministers_Conclave_2020_Lucknow.
[ix] The Times of India. “Army, DRDO Fight It out Again over Arjun and Futuristic Tanks.” August 5, 2015. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/army-drdo-fight-it-out-again-over-arjun-and-futuristic-tanks/articleshow/48355161.cms.
[x] Standard, Business. “Army’s New Battle Tank Proposal Sets Stage for MoD Tussle,” June 22, 2015. https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/army-s-new-battle-tank-proposal-sets-stage-for-mod-tussle-115062200028_1.html.
[xi] ibid
[xii] ibid
[xiii] “REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI): FUTURE READY COMBAT VEHICLE (FRCV) FOR INDIAN ARMY.” Ministry of Defence, May 2021. https://www.ddpmod.gov.in/sites/default/files/RFI-FRCV%2024%20May%2021%20FINAL%20-%20Amended%201020%20hr.pdf.
[xiv] “5th Positive Indigenisation List.” Department of Military Affairs, Ministry of Defence, n.d. https://srijandefence.gov.in/DMA_5thList.pdf.
[xv] “MoD Notifies ‘Second Positive Indigenisation List’ of 108 Items to Promote Self-Reliance & Defence Exports.” Accessed September 19, 2024. https://pib.gov.in/pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1723148.