What happened?
The Ministry of Defence has signed a $248 million contract with Rosoboronexport (RoE), Russian Federation, for the procurement of 1000 HP engines for T-72 tanks. The engines will be supplied in fully formed, completely knocked down, and semi-knocked down conditions. The deal also includes a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (Heavy Vehicle Factory), Avadi, Chennai, to facilitate integration and licensed production of the engines in India, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defence sector.
Why it matters to India
The T-72 is a key component of the Indian Army’s armored fleet, currently operating with 780 HP engines. Upgrading to 1000 HP engines will significantly enhance battlefield mobility and offensive capabilities. The inclusion of technology transfer strengthens India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and reinforcing self-reliance in critical military hardware production. This procurement further bolsters India’s strategic capabilities in mechanized warfare.
