INDIA EMBARKS ON DECADE-LONG PROJECT TO DEVELOP FUTURE-READY COMBAT VEHICLE

With a substantial portion of its borders shared with neighbouring countries, it is essential for India to have modern and robust tanks for both defensive and offensive operations. In this regard, the FRCV's advanced capabilities allow it to face changing ground obstacles like land and air threats. It will provide a decisive advantage in future conflicts and enhance operational effectiveness through its integration with air power, writes JOSEPH P CHACKO

- Joseph P Chacko

Technological innovations and evolving battlefield demands are driving the significant transformation in modern combat vehicles worldwide.

Artificial intelligence is enhancing situational awareness and decisionmaking, while autonomous systems are enabling greater operational flexibility.

Vehicles are seamlessly integrating into broader command and control networks to enable real-time data sharing and enhanced coordination as networkcentric warfare gains significance. Active protection systems are being implemented to counter emerging threats like loitering munitions and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), making survivability a critical issue. Modular design concepts enable vehicles to adjust to evolving operational requirements, thereby facilitating upgrades and customization that Furthermore, the increasing emphasis on sustainability is fostering the development of cost-effective solutions ensure long-term operational readiness and reduce environmental impact without imposing exorbitant financial burdens.

These changing trends have influenced the Indian Army's requirement for a Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV). The MoD has granted the Indian Army the green light to build the FRCV, a decade-long project, for procurement by the Indian Army. This will provide the army with a modern tank fleet. The FRCV will supplant the ageing fleet of Soviet-origin T-72 Main Battle Tanks (MBT) and its upgraded variants, T-72 Mk-1 Ajeya and T-72 Mk-2, which have been in service for over four decades.