The armored warfare capabilities of the Indian army are set for a major boost as the defence ministry, on Thursday, announced that it signed a ₹ 2,095.70 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the procurement of INVAR anti-tank missiles under the Buy (Indian) category.
INVAR (3 UBK 20) precision-guided anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) is a mechanised infantry weapon which is fired from the gun barrel of the T-90 main battle tank to destroy armoured vehicles equipped with Explosive Reactive Armour.
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The defence ministry said the procurement of the ATGMs enhances the firepower and lethality of the T-90, the mainstay of Armoured Regiments of the Indian Army.
The sophisticated laser-guided anti-tank missile, with very high hit probability, is set to transform the conduct of mechanised operations and offer operational advantage against the country's adversaries.
Equipped with a tandem warhead, the missile can destroy stationary and moving targets with a speed up to 70kmph. It has a range of about 5km with a flight time of approximately 17.6 seconds to maximum range.
"The procurement underscores the government’s efforts to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Army by leveraging the existing expertise of Defence Public Sector Undertakings, along with development of niche technologies by domestic industries towards achieving Aatmanirbharta in defence," the defence ministry said in a release.