As a part of the Make in India initiative in defence sector, the defence ministry proposed to replace the 2,610 Russian designed Sarath BMP-II combat vehicles which were used since 1980. The FICV (Fighting Infantry Combat Vehicle) project is a 2 part contract. Three players will get the prototype one being the state owned OFB and other 2 private companies. There are 10 private companies participating in the bid. The defence ministry will contribute 80% of the project cost at the end.
Major bidders : Tata power, L&T, Mahindra & Mahindra, Rolta, Pipavav, Bharat forge,Punj, Lloyd and Titagarh, wagons.
International defence org in bidding: Oshokosh corporation, Lockheed Martin, AM general, Rosboron export & Nexter
TIE-UP
Tata Motors have announced to tie-up for $11bn with Bharat Forge and General Dynamics to develop the FICV. With this tie up, the number of bidding companies have come down from 10 to 9.This tie-up has increased the possibility of the trio winning the bid.
- Tata Motors– to design the drive system of the combat vehicle
- Bharat Forge– manufacturing of guns, ammunition and other elements of firepower
In addition the expertise of General Dynamics in the field of FICV’S is likely to be used.
KEY FEATURES OF FICV
- Maximum weight- 18 to 20 tonnes
- Operated by 3 crew members
- Additional capacity- 8 soldiers with combat loads
- Strike power- 45 tonnes
- 62 mm machine gun, grenade launcher and anti-tank missile
- Fully amphibious and high mobility
Key points:
- TATA MOTORS CEO – CYRUS PALLONJI MISTRY
- BHARAT FORGE MD – N. KALYANI
- GENERAL DYNAMICS developed Ground Combat Infantry Fighting vehicle for US army.
- MAHINDRA- BAE & L&T- NEXTER-ASHOK LEYLAND are the other tie-ups in this project