MoD placed indent on OFB for supply of 156 upgraded ICVs

The defence ministry has placed an order with the state-run Ordnance Factory Board for supply of 156 Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs) worth Rs 1,094 crore

Under this, the combat vehicles will be manufactured by Ordnance Factory, Medak in Telangana.

The vehicles are aimed to enhance the combat capability of the Army.

The BMP-2/2K ICVs will be powered by 285 horsepower (HP) engines and are lower in weight which will make them highly mobile to meet all tactical requirements of mobility on the battlefield.

These ICVs will reach a speed of 65 kilometres per hour (kmph) with easy steering ability in cross country terrain.

The ICVs will have amphibious capabilities to travel at 7 kmph in water.

These special vehicles are designed to overcome the slope of up to 35° cross obstacles of 0.7 metre and have lethal firepower capability.

The vehicles are planned to be completed by the year 2023.

With the induction of these 156 BMP 2/2K ICVs, the existing deficiency in the Mechanised Infantry Battalions will be mitigated.