India’s military development of a high-technology future main battle tank to replace the current T-72 recently took a step forward with the announcement that the previously name Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) had formally been named the “Ranjeet” program.
This commemorates Maharaja Ranjit Singh a renowned past leader and military personally of the Sikh Empire. The project was defined in a May 2021 Request for Information (RFI) and lays out a requirement for 1770 MBTs with initial fielding in 2030. On September 3 the Ministry of Défense MoD issued a series of Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) approvals for the project.
Being pursued as a Made in India initiative it dictates a minimum of fifty percent indigenous content. It will be structured using the Make-I program approach in which the government will provide funding for up to seventy percent of the development with the industry teams covering the balance. Typically, in the past in such programs up to two industry candidates will be awarded to provide designs and prototypes. This will lead to the down selection of one to proceed through final development and eventually a production contract. It is expected that production may occur in three phases. It is further suggested that the chassis could become the platform for a variety of additional mission roles and supporting vehicle types.
The basic requirements dictating the characteristics and performance of Rajeet remain currently rather general. However, they do highlight some main categories. The system is to reflect a Network Centric design which is AI enabled. This includes digital communications and architecture with advanced situational awareness, cross-platform coordination, assisted targeting, and data driven decision-making. A high calibre main weapon with state-of-the art ant-armour and ant-personnel capability is sought. Consideration of beyond-line-of-site engagement and use of smart munitions are to be considered. Some observers suggest both 120/125mm cannon, guided missiles, and even directed energy are possibilities. Survivability against anticipated ground and air threats are to be provided by advanced armour, active protection systems with modularity and inherent upgrading possible. The mobility and adaptability of the system are to assure its ability to operate in diverse terrains and a variety of environments. These will be assured by a high power to weight ratio, an advanced suspension and manoeuvre enhancements.
The government has stated its Ordnance Factory Board and Défense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) will play major roles in the program and development. Participation by foreign firms has been invited with teaming with local Indian firms encouraged. As part of the effort to build local defence industry capabilities the establishment of Technology Transfer (ToT) arrangements are particularly favoured.
While the “Ranjeet” is oriented toward the replacement of the T-72, the Indian military also is pursuing the Arjun II main battle tank by the DRDO. It is intended to be lighter than the Arjun I with a new turret and improved suspension as well as possibly a new DATRAN V12 locally produced engine. The Arjun II is to provide a bridge MBT until the Ranjeet is available.
by Stephen W. Miller
