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Russia to bid for supply of light tanks, infantry fighting vehicles to India

Alexander Mikheyev noted that Russia understands the desire of the Indian government to ensure the country’s technological sovereignty, develop its own industry

DUBAI, November 14. /TASS/. Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport plans to participate in the tender for the supply of light tanks and Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) to India, the company’s CEO Alexander Mikheyev told TASS at the International Aerospace Exhibition Dubai Airshow 2023.

"We plan, together with Indian partners, to present a light tank and a promising infantry fighting vehicle in the course of the tender of the Indian Ministry of Defense as part of the FICV project, which will fully comply with the Make in India program," Mikheyev said.

He added that Russia understands the desire of the Indian government to ensure the country’s technological sovereignty, develop its own industry.

"I can say that Rosoboronexport began working with Indian enterprises under conditions similar to the requirements of the Make in India and Self-Reliant India programs long before they emerged," the head of Rosoboronexport said.

Mikheyev recalled that the two countries have many successful cases: Su-30MKI fighters, tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, as well as Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles.

It is expected that under the FICV program, which was temporarily closed until 2014, the Indian military will purchase 2,600 combat vehicles that will replace 1,400 aging Soviet/Russian infantry fighting vehicle (BMP-1 and BMP-2). The estimated value of the contract will exceed $10 billion. According to the terms of the tender, only Indian companies will participate as the main contractor.