High-tech makeover soon? How the Indian Army is upgrading its T-72 and T-90 tanks
Indian Army is launching a significant modernisation programme, investing ₹13,000 crore to restore 790 ageing T-72 'Ajeya' tanks and ₹56,000 crore for 200 T-90 'Bhishma' tanks
The Indian Army is undertaking a significant modernization effort involving the restoration of 790 aging T-72 'Ajeya' tanks over five years at a cost of ₹13,000 crore, with the Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ) of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) and over 1,200 MSMEs leading the project. This initiative follows AVNL's successful restoration of two T-72 tanks and aims to equip these backbone tanks with new-generation systems, including drone integration for ISR and combat roles, while replacing worn components to extend their service life and reduce import dependence for spares and maintenance. Concurrently, approximately 200 T-90 'Bhishma' tanks will also undergo restoration at a higher cost of ₹56,000 crore, and upgrades are also planned for infantry combat vehicles and Armoured Recovery Vehicles.
The Indian Army is undertaking a significant modernization effort involving the restoration of 790 aging T-72 'Ajeya' tanks over five years at a cost of ₹13,000 crore, with the Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ) of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) and over 1,200 MSMEs leading the project. This initiative follows AVNL's successful restoration of two T-72 tanks and aims to equip these backbone tanks with new-generation systems, including drone integration for ISR and combat roles, while replacing worn components to extend their service life and reduce import dependence for spares and maintenance. Concurrently, approximately 200 T-90 'Bhishma' tanks will also undergo restoration at a higher cost of ₹56,000 crore, and upgrades are also planned for infantry combat vehicles and Armoured Recovery Vehicles.
The Indian Army is undertaking a significant modernization effort involving the restoration of 790 aging T-72 'Ajeya' tanks over five years at a cost of ₹13,000 crore, with the Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ) of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) and over 1,200 MSMEs leading the project. This initiative follows AVNL's successful restoration of two T-72 tanks and aims to equip these backbone tanks with new-generation systems, including drone integration for ISR and combat roles, while replacing worn components to extend their service life and reduce import dependence for spares and maintenance. Concurrently, approximately 200 T-90 'Bhishma' tanks will also undergo restoration at a higher cost of ₹56,000 crore, and upgrades are also planned for infantry combat vehicles and Armoured Recovery Vehicles.
The Indian Army is planning to restore as many as 790 ageing T-72 tanks at a cost of ₹13,000 crore.
According to a report by BusinessLine, the Soviet-designed T-72 'Ajeya' main battle tanks will be restored over the next five years by the Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ) of defence PSU Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), with the support of over 1,200 MSMEs.
Earlier this year, the DPSU completed the restoration of two T-72 tanks in accordance with the technical specifications and quality standards set by the Indian Army. "This milestone provides a significant impetus to AVNL's ongoing efforts to enhance its capabilities and meet the aspirations of the Indian Army, according to the technical specifications and quality standards set by them," AVNL had then said.
The T-72 has been the backbone of the Indian Army's armoured fleet for decades.
Besides this, the report said around 200 T-90 'Bhishma' tanks will also be restored at a cost of ₹56,000 crore.
Quoting Army sources, the report said the restoration programme will retain only the basic structure of the tanks, while equipping them with new-generation systems.
The tanks are set to be equipped with drones for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and combat roles. The overhaul will also involve the replacement of components, assemblies and sub-assemblies wherever required.
These upgrades are expected to reduce import dependence for both spares and maintenance.
The report also said the infantry combat vehicles (BMPs) and Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs) of the Indian Army will also be upgraded.
The restoration programme aims to return these platforms to a near-zero-hour, zero-kilometre operational condition by replacing ageing mechanical, electronic and engineering components, thereby significantly extending their service life.