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New Delhi. The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Rosoboronexport (RoE), Russian Federation worth $ 248 million for procurement of 1000 HP Engines for T-72 Tanks in fully formed, completely knocked down and semi knocked down conditions.
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.
T-72 is the mainstay of tank fleet of the Indian Army which is at present fitted with 780 HP Engine. Equipping the existing fleet of T-72 Tanks with 1000 HP Engine will enhance the battle field mobility and offensive capability of Indian Army.
The deal materialises within three months of the defence ministry approving the overhauling of the T-72 and T-90 tanks in December. The T-72s are the older ones that have been manufactured at the Avadi factory since the 1980s. India currently operates over 2,400 T-72 and 1,200 T-90 tanks besides a small number of indigenous Arjun main battle tanks.
This transfer will enable the factory to assemble the engines and eventually produce them locally under license, supporting the “Make in India” program in the defence industry.
