The Elusive Capability
FICV is yet another case history of self-inflicted injury, creating a capability gap with no effort to seek its accountability and responsibility. The Make 1 project seems to be a snakes and ladder game with more snakes than ladders, so the FICV is likely to be back at the starter block of discussion stage, that it was in 2004. Thus, FICV remains an illusion marred by frequent changes in procedural stance, bureaucratic apathy, cold feet for honouring promised financial support inspite of an AoN (October 2009) and disregard for the last EoI of July 2015 immaculately evaluated and sent to Ministry of Defence (MoD) in November 2016. Termed as a game changer and the biggest catalyst for an indigenous Integrated Defence Eco System and Defence Industrial Base, it has failed as a test case for ‘Make in India’, creating a glaring gap between expectations and outcomes. Resultantly, it has created disillusion in the nascent, yet vibrant indigenous private defence industry. A detailed analysis of the quagmire and way forward was penned in the article appeared in SP’s Land Forces 5/2018 on page number 1. Its time now to find a way ahead with a de novo look in the light of all options of Make1/Make2/SP not making a headway. Given our fragile security matrix, intentions can change fast, but capability building takes time. Thus FICV, a key spearhead of the restructured Integrated Battle Groups, cannot be put in a limbo and the impasse needs a fresh resolution.
Global Fire Power Index and Armoured Fighting Vehicle Ranking
This story is from the October - November 2019 edition of SP's Land Forces.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October - November 2019 edition of SP's Land Forces.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Stryker Production under 'Make in India'?
India explores joint production of Stryker armoured vehicles with the US as part of their Strategic Alliance
Rosoboronexport goes on to work on Technology Partnership Contracts with Friendly Countries
Empowering Global Defence Production through Innovation, Collaboration and Pioneering Technology Partnerships in the evolving landscape of Military Cooperation
Yugoimport - A Global Player in Artillery
Yugoimport-SDPR has constantly innovated itself as a manufacturer of complex weapon systems and defence equipment
Womanpower in Uniform: Republic@75
India takes a big stride into the future as Women Warriors lead the charge in India's 75th Republic Day Celebration
Defending DRDO: Restructure the Responsibilities
A strategic transformation of DRDO is needed to chart a course for excellence in defence technology and a more agile and responsive future
Fighting Terror: Armies in New Urban Warfare
Navigating the realities of Urban Warfare and lessons drawn from the ongoing global fight against terror
Indian Army: In Quest of Greater Firepower and Policy Recommendations for Gaps
Charting the Future under General Manoj Pande's Vision for a Tech-Driven Army, the Indian Army is driving ahead for Next-Gen Combat Capabilities
Year of Technology Absorption
Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande sets out goal for the Indian Army in 2024
Striking the Right Balance
In an interview with Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP's Land Forces, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande charts the ongoing evolution of Indian Army with a balanced approach that combines platform-centric capabilities with technology-centric enhancements
The Future of Infantry Combat Vehicle
The Future Infantry Combat Vehicle FICV) programme of the Indian Army is a technological leap forward for the Next-Generation Infantry Combat Vehicles that will give soldiers a decisive edge on the battlefield