India’s state-run Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) has proposed a Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) for the Indian Army, the company confirmed with Janes.

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.