India is Stunned, Invests 60 Billion to Develop the Next Generation Tank, Has China's Type 100 Already Become Obsolete?

The Indian Army plans to spend up to 60 billion rupees to procure 1,770 to 1,800 "Future Ready Combat Vehicles" (FRCV) to replace its aging T-72 tanks.

This project, also known as the Ranjit Project, is seen as a landmark initiative for India's military modernization.

The new generation of tanks will be equipped with artificial intelligence fire control systems, active protection armor, and seamless integration capabilities with drones and satellite networks. The project will be implemented in three phases, with the first batch of vehicles expected to be commissioned before 2030. Officials emphasized that FRCV is not only aimed at deserts and plains but must also adapt to high-altitude and multi-domain complex battlefields, ensuring an advantage in direct confrontation with potential adversaries such as China and Pakistan.

Although the Indian government has not directly mentioned China, the timing and background of this plan are quite intriguing.

China recently unveiled the fourth-generation main battle tank, the Type 100, during a military parade. It is equipped with hybrid power, an unmanned turret, an active defense system, and AR visor helmets, among other future battlefield elements, drawing global attention.

Meanwhile, India is immediately investing 60 billion rupees to develop its own new tank, indicating a clear intent to match China.

India obviously hopes to achieve a generational leap to catch up with Chinese tanks technologically, and even surpass them in certain subsystems.

However, these may only be fantasies.

Although the budget of 60 billion rupees seems substantial, when divided among 1,800 tanks, the unit price remains far lower than the cost of old platforms from the US and Russia, which means some high-end features may not be fully realized.

In addition, India's defense industry has long been plagued by issues such as project delays, reliance on imported parts, and weak testing mechanisms. Even if the design goals of FRCV are ambitious, it remains uncertain whether the mass-produced tanks meeting performance requirements can be delivered by 2030.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1842765702042627/

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