The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Russian arms exporter, Rosoboronexport (RoE), on Friday signed a $248 million deal for the procurement of engines for the country's existing fleet of T-72 tanks.
"The deal also includes Transfer of Technology (ToT) from M/s RoE to M/s Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (Heavy Vehicle Factory), Avadi, Chennai, for integration and subsequent licensed production of engines under ToT to boost the 'Make in India' initiative in Defence Sector," the MoD said in a statement.
Notably, the T-72 tanks, the mainstay of the Indian Army's tank contingent, are currently powered by 780 HP engines, and the new contract between the two long-standing strategic partners is for the acquisition of 1000 HP engines.
This is expected not only to bolster their offensive capability but also their field mobility.
Approximately 2400-2500 T-72 tanks are currently operated by the Indian Army, which are slated to be replaced by the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) platform in the coming years.