FICV - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Which of the following is/are true regarding Future Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICV)?

1) This is the first time India will have an armored vehicle in its army.
2) These vehicles are expected to be compact, air-portable and transportable by other means, into combat zones.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 2

Explanation:

  • To be developed under the ‘Make Category’, the FICV is a high mobility armored battle vehicle, for infantry men to keep pace with new advancements in weaponry system.
  • The FICV needs to be compact, tracked and amphibious, no heavier than 18-20 tonnes, so that it can be air-portable and transportable by other means, onto combat zones.
  • The vehicle must fire anti-tank guided missiles to ranges beyond 4 km, with a capability to carry a crew of three, and eight combat-kitted infantrymen.
  • The FICV will replace the Indian Army’s fleet Russian-designed BMP (Sarath BMP-II) series armed vehicles, that are in operation since 1980.
  • The competition for a Rs 60,000 crore defence order, for the supply of 2610 Future Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICV) to the Indian Army over 25 years, currently includes Larsen & Toubro; Mahindra & Mahindra; Tata Motors.
  • Tata Motors entered into a strategic agreement with Bharat Forge Ltd and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) of the US to bid for this project.