Janes learnt that the company is planning to showcase its FICV prototype at India’s Defence Expo 2024.

Anurag Kumar Sharma, general manager of AVNL, told Janes that the FICV – designed and developed by the company – would not be based on a Russian BMP (Boyevaya Mashina Pyekhoty) or any existing infantry combat vehicle (ICV).

According to Sharma, the BMP’s design was based on three key factors – mobility, firepower, and protection. “The FICV’s design idea, however, adds a fourth factor – crew comfort,” Sharma said.

“AVNL’s FICV will have a 600 hp engine with an automatic transmission, whereas the BMP is equipped with a 300 hp engine and a manual transmission,” Sharma added.

In addition to a 30 mm cannon and a 7.62 mm co-axial gun, the FICV will be fitted with a loitering munition (LM) system, a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), a fifth-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system, and a 30 mm automated grenade launcher, Sharma said.

The BMP offers standardisation agreement (STANAG) level two protection, whereas the FICV will offer protection up to STANAG level four and will be equipped with a laser warning system and active protection system, he added.

“[The] FICV will be air-conditioned with blast-attenuating seats and improved suspension. The FICV will be equipped with a new hull, and it will weigh 23 tonne, with a seating capacity of 11,” Sharma added.

In June 2021, the Indian Army issued a request for information (RFI) on the planned procurement of 1,750 units of indigenously developed, amphibious tracked FICVs.

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