The defence ministry signed a $248 million deal with Russian defence major Rosoboronexport for the procurement of engines for T-72 tanks.
The deal also includes the transfer of technology from Rosoboronexport to the state-run Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd (heavy vehicle factory) based at Avadi in Chennai.
In a release, the defence ministry said it has signed a contract worth $248 million (approximately Rs 2,156 crore) with Rosoboronexport (RoE) for the procurement of 1,000 HP engines for T-72 tanks "in fully formed, completely knocked down and semi-knocked down conditions."
"The deal also includes the transfer of technology (ToT) from RoE to Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited for integration and subsequent licensed production of engines under ToT to boost the Make in India initiative in the defence sector," it said.
The Soviet-designed T-72 tanks—equipped with a 125 mm cannon with a smooth barrel having a range of fire of 4,500 meters—are the mainstay of the tank fleet of the Indian Army. At present, they are fitted with 780 HP engines. Capable of destroying tanks and other armoured targets or enemy troops, the Russian-origin T-72 tanks were first inducted into the Indian Army in the 1980s. According to reports, India has around 2,400 T-72 tanks.
"Equipping the existing fleet of T-72 tanks with 1000 HP engines will enhance the battlefield mobility and offensive capability of the Indian Army," the ministry said in a statement.
A few months ago, T-72 tanks were in the news when one of the tanks submerged under the raging waters of the Shyok River in Eastern Ladakh, leading to the loss of lives of five Indian Army soldiers.
