New Delhi: In a significant move to bolster its armored capabilities, India signed a $248 million contract with Russia’s state-owned Rosoboronexport (RoE) on Friday for the procurement of 1,000 HP (horsepower) engines for its T-72 tank fleet. The deal includes engines in fully formed, completely knocked down (CKD), and semi-knocked down (SKD) conditions, along with a transfer of technology (ToT) to support domestic manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Key Highlights of the Deal
- Enhanced Mobility and Firepower: The new 1,000 HP engines will replace the existing 780 HP engines in India’s T-72 tanks, significantly improving their battlefield mobility and offensive capabilities.
- Transfer of Technology: The agreement includes ToT from Rosoboronexport to India’s Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), which operates the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi, Chennai. This will enable the licensed production of engines in India, boosting self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
- Strategic Upgrade: The T-72 tanks are the backbone of the Indian Army’s armored fleet, with over 2,400 currently in service. The upgrade ensures these tanks remain combat-ready and effective in modern warfare scenarios.
India’s Armored Fleet
The Indian Army’s armored corps relies heavily on Russian-origin tanks. Alongside the T-72 fleet, the Army has inducted 1,300 T-90S ‘Bhishma’ tanks out of the 1,657 being produced under license at the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi. The T-90S tanks, equipped with advanced features, complement the T-72 fleet, ensuring a robust and versatile armored force.
Boosting ‘Make in India’ in Defense
The inclusion of ToT in the deal aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, aimed at reducing dependency on foreign defense imports and fostering indigenous manufacturing capabilities. By producing the 1,000 HP engines domestically, India will not only save costs but also enhance its defense industrial base.
A defense ministry official stated, “Equipping the fleet of T-72 Tanks with 1,000 HP engines will enhance the battlefield mobility and offensive capability of the Army. The transfer of technology will further strengthen our indigenous defense production capabilities.”
Strategic Implications
The upgrade of the T-72 fleet comes at a time when India is modernizing its armed forces to address evolving security challenges. The enhanced engines will ensure that the T-72 tanks remain a formidable force on the battlefield, capable of operating in diverse terrains and combat scenarios.
This deal also underscores the enduring defense partnership between India and Russia, which has been a cornerstone of India’s defense procurement strategy for decades.
Conclusion
The $248 million contract marks a critical step in modernizing India’s armored capabilities while advancing the ‘Make in India’ agenda in the defense sector. By upgrading its T-72 fleet and producing engines domestically, India is ensuring its armed forces remain prepared to tackle future challenges with cutting-edge technology and self-reliance.
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