United States-based General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) will be part of India’s commercial vehicle major Tata Motors-led consortium to work for the Indian Defence Ministry’s Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) programme.

India’s leading auto component solution provider Bharat Forge will also play a major role in the consortium.

GDLS is a subsidiary of General Dynamics Combat Systems group, a global leader in the design, development, production, support and enhancement of tracked and wheeled military vehicles for the United States and its allies.

All three companies have signed a strategic agreement to carry out the project, for which General Dynamics Land Systems will bring in its much proven expertise in combat vehicle platforms.

Tata Motors will utilize its strengths in Design, Development & Integration of mobility platforms, while Bharat Forge will contribute its efficiencies in manufacturing .

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The FICV is a high mobility armoured battle vehicle, for infantry men to keep pace with new advancements in weaponry system.

Donald Kotchman, Vice President, Tracked Combat Vehicles, General Dynamics Land Systems said, “We have established a track record of delivering and sustaining international programs, in a timely and cost-effective manner throughout the platform’s life.”

Led by Tata Motors, he said the company is looking forward to working with its consortium partners in supporting the “Make in India” initiative, developing the Indian FICV.

General Dynamics’ proven expertise, as a system of systems integrator (SOSI) in various integrational programmes will bring in the required competency supporting Tata Motors to offer an indigenous solution for this programme.

Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors said the company, through this partnership, will be better positioned to help the country realize its ‘Make in India’ vision, for the first completely indigenized combat vehicle.

Baba N Kalyani, Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Forge Limited, said “Working with the country’s largest automotive manufacturer, will help us develop new directions for both companies and to address future requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. We look forward to an exciting future”