India progresses future tank programme

The FRCV is intended to replace the Indian Army's T-72 tanks, seen here taking part in a military exercise. (Janes/Kapil Kajal)

India has approved the Indian Army's procurement of next-generation main battle tanks (MBTs) to replace the service's ageing fleets of T-72s.

The Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) programme was cleared as part of a series of Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) approvals announced by the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 3 September.

The MoD said these AoN approvals, which also include other procurements for the Indian Army and Indian Coast Guard (ICG), are worth a combined value of INR1.44 trillion (USD17.2 billion). The specific value of the FRCV programme was not revealed.

Indian Army

“For modernisation of the tank fleet of the Indian Army the proposal for procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles has been cleared,” the MoD said. “The FRCV will be a futuristic main battle tank with superior mobility, all terrain ability, multilayered protections, precision and lethal fires, and real-time situational awareness.”

Previous MoD statements have said the Indian Army intends to procure 1,770 FRCVs over several phases. The first phase is intended to feature the production of 590 vehicles, although it will likely be several years before a contractor is finalised. The FRCV is unlikely to enter Indian Army service before the mid-2030s.

In addition to the FRCV programme, AoNs announced by the MoD cleared the Indian Army procurements of the Air Defence Fire Control Radar (ADFCR) and Forward Repair Team (Tracked) equipment.