Defence Ministry buys engines worth $240 million for the Army's T-72 tanks from Russia

Indian Defence Ministry has signed a Rs 24.8 crore contract with Russia to import engines for T-72 tanks. The Defence Ministry signed a contract with the Russian Federation's Rosoboronexport (RoE) worth $248 million. Under it, it will import engines worth 1000 HP for T-72 tanks. The engines will be in semi-ready and fully ready states.

According to the Defence Ministry, the deal also includes the transfer of technology from Rosoboronexport to Armored Vehicles Corporation Limited (Heavy Vehicles Factory) in Avadi, Chennai for assembly under transfer and technology and licensed production. This will provide a boost to the Make in India program in defense.

The T-72 is the main tank of the Indian Army. It is currently equipped with a 780 HP engine. Equipping the existing fleet of T-72 tanks with 1000 HP engines will increase the combat mobility and offensive capability of the Indian Army. Along with a fleet of 2400 T-72 tanks, the army has also inducted 1,300 T-90S Bhishma tanks so far. Of these, 1657 tanks are being manufactured by the Heavy Vehicles Factory under license from Russia.

T 72 tanks hold great importance in the army. They are currently deployed on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Some T-72 tanks in the army have become old. The army has replaced the old tanks with Zorawar tanks. In 2001, India signed an agreement to buy T-class tanks T-90 from Russia. After this, T-72 tanks were purchased from Russia. These tanks were made keeping in mind India's needs.