Defence.in forum reported that the US General Dynamics made Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV), has failed the high altitude mobility trials in the Ladakh. The Stryker's 300-horsepower (hp) engine is underpowered for operations in high-altitude regions.
General Dynamics has committed to upgrading the Stryker with a more powerful 600hp engine and will conduct retrials once initial testing of the modified vehicle is complete as per the defence forum.
What is surprising is that India is going in for the Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicle even as there are a number of indigenous options that are being made available. Interestingly the Stryker also found reference in the Indo US Joint Statement in an apparent bid to put pressure on the military brass and the Indian Ministry of Defence.
Instead of the Stryker programme reviving the Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) project needs serious consideration with active promotion under Prime Minister’s Make in India in defence initiative.
The FICV aims to replace the Soviet-era BMP-IIs, which have been in service since the 1980s. Modernizing the infantry combat vehicles will enhance the overall combat capabilities of the Indian Army.
The FICV project focuses on indigenous design with at least 50% local content, supporting India's defense modernization and boosting the domestic defense industry and is modular, allowing for future upgrades.
It will be equipped with advanced weaponry, including a 30 mm automatic cannon, anti-tank guided missiles, and a remote-controlled weapon station which will significantly improve the combat effectiveness of the mechanized infantry.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is actively working on upgrading its FICV prototype to meet the latest requirements outlined in the Indian Army's Request for Proposal (RFP). This includes incorporating advanced features like enhanced armor protection, improved mobility, and superior firepower.
The project is progressing towards rigorous field trials and evaluations.
Once these are successfully completed, the Indian Army will select a final design and proceed with the production phase.
In the wheeled category the Tata Advanced Systems’ flagship product, WhAP 8x8 (Wheeled Armoured Platform) is India’s First Amphibious Infantry Combat Vehicle (Wheeled), designed for optimised survivability, all-terrain performance and increased lethality
WhAP is designed jointly with DRDO incorporating state-of-the-art critical technologies like Integrated power pack with Automatic transmission, Floatation and propulsion
Modularity and Scalability help this platform to be easily customised to cater to various missions and operating condition as per the Company.
Tata Advanced Systems has developed the product benchmarking the features with some of the best in class products across the globe and has evaluated performance including Amphibious capabilities through rigorous testing and trials in extreme climatic conditions and terrains as per the company.
While the Styker along with Javelin ATGM figures in the Indo US Joint Statement during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US on 14 February, “They announced plans to pursue this year new procurements and co-production arrangements for "Javelin” Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and "Stryker” Infantry Combat Vehicles in India to rapidly meet India’s defense requirements,” Mr Modi has clearly stated that for him India’s national interest is a priority.
Thus, Ministry of Defence must sustain the Make in India FICV projects – Tracked as well as Wheeled which have made substantial progress instead of promoting the underpowered engine Stryker under pressure from the United States.
Comentários