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09-03-2025
NEW DELHI: India has signed a $248 million contract with Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport to acquire more powerful engines for its Soviet-era battle tanks, the Indian Defence Ministry said on Friday.
The T-72 tank, first introduced in India in the 1970s, is the mainstay of the Indian Army’s fleet. It operates about 2,500 such tanks fitted with a 780 horsepower (HP) engine.
The new acquisition of 1,000 HP engines will replace engines of the existing fleet to “enhance the battlefield mobility and offensive capability of the Indian Army”, the ministry said in a statement.
The deal includes transfer of technology from Rosoboronexport to Indian state-owned Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd for licensed production of the engines.
India is the world’s largest arms importer and Russia has been its top defence supplier for decades, although Moscow’s ability to provide systems was damaged by its war in Ukraine, which has made New Delhi look more westward for suppliers.
T-72 Tanks: A Symbol of Endurance and Innovation
The T-72, a Soviet-era tank, has undergone multiple upgrades to remain relevant in contemporary military operations. Though it was introduced in the 1970s, the T-72 continues to serve as a key component of India’s tank fleet. The latest iterations, such as the CI-Ajeya, feature modern enhancements, including Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA), GPS systems, and advanced fire detection technologies, which increase the tank’s battlefield effectiveness.
One of the extraordinary capabilities of the T-72 is its ability to cross rivers using a snorkel system, a feature that offers unparalleled operational flexibility in challenging terrains. However, such capabilities also carry inherent risks, as demonstrated by a tragic incident in Ladakh, where a T-72 tank sank during a river-crossing exercise due to flash floods, resulting in the loss of five soldiers.
A shift toward self-reliance in defence
The Indian Army is taking proactive steps to reduce its dependence on Russian-made components. 
In 2024, the army issued a request for information (RFI) from both public sector undertakings (PSUs) and private defence companies to overhaul and extend the service life of its T-72 tanks. This is driven by both the desire to modernize and to circumvent the challenges posed by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has disrupted supply chains.
The focus of these efforts is to overhaul and upgrade the T-72 fleet with new systems and domestically manufactured components. These enhancements will restore the tanks to a “like-new” condition, ensuring they continue to meet the Army’s operational requirements. Overhauls will include the replacement of key systems and parts, with warranties provided to ensure operational reliability.
Future Prospects for India’s T-72 Fleet
The signing of this deal marks a critical moment in India’s efforts to modernize its military hardware while simultaneously building up its defence manufacturing capabilities. Through strategic technology transfers and domestic production, India is positioning itself as a self-reliant military power with an indigenous defence industry capable of meeting its own needs.
As the Indian Army works towards the overhaul and upgrade of its fleet, including the integration of the new engines, the T-72 will continue to play a critical role in safeguarding national security. This initiative is not only about technological advancement but also about reinforcing India’s position as a global player in defence production and military innovation.
