The Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) on Wednesday inked a deal with the public-sector defense firm Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) to acquire 693 upgraded BMP2 Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs).
The BMP2 ICVs, which would be rechristened as BMP2M post the overhaul, were originally acquired from Russia before being commissioned in the Indian Army in the 1980s.
As part of the upgrade project, each of the BMP2 ICVs will be equipped with an Automatic Target Tracker, Fire Control System (FCS), Gunner Main Sight, Commander Panoramic Sight, and Night Enablement.
"The AVNL has developed an indigenized solution for providing existing BMP 2/2K with Night Fighting Capabilities and FCS based on the integration of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Chennai-developed sight and FCS," the MoD's statement read.
Further, the statement highlighted that AVNL will source content related to the modernization of BMP2 ICVs from domestic manufacturers.
This would once again showcase India's growing self-reliance in the defense sector, the MoD stressed.