Kolkata: Ordnance factories are developing futuristic infantry combat vehicle (FICV) which will incorporate many advanced technologies.
"Recently we had a meeting and interaction with the (Defence Research and Development Organisation) DRDO. We will be supplementing and complementing each," said Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) chairman Hari Mohan during a press conference on Tuesday. The OFB, in collaboration with (DRDO), is developing the FICV for the Army.
He reiterated that the new FICV will have enhanced firepower, including an auto grenade launcher with a range of 1,500 metres and anti-tank guided missile capability, which launches missiles at a range of 4,000 metres with automated command. This apart, it will also have a gun control system integrated with a thermal imager fire control system.
OFB has entered into an agreement with IIT Madras to develop Centre of Excellence for ammunition such as precision-guided ammunition.
While the Army at present has the infantry personnel carrier with a 30 mm gun – the BMP II, the new FICV will be a successor of it. In the field of artillery, the twin success of 'Dhanush' and 'Sharang' have been followed by the development of the 155 X 52 mounted gun system (MGS) which is undergoing internal validation trials. Another significant achievement is the successful trail of 155 X 52 barrels and the related breach mechanism by a global major. These barrels are comparable with those manufactured in Europe.