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India is planning an upgrade of its Russian-made tanks and armored vehicles at an estimated cost of US$7.85 billion, according to Indian Army sources. The orders cover life-cycle enhancement of the Indian Army’s T-72 and T-90 tanks, Infantry Combat Vehicles (BMPs), and Armored Recovery Vehicles (ARVs).
It is believed that the T-90 Mk-III tank will likely incorporate several advanced features and more indigenous components. These vehicles are manufactured in India under license from Russia. There has been feedback from operational experiences, particularly from the challenging terrain of Ladakh, in the Indian Himalaya, which is a high-altitude desert region.
In addition, 790 T-72 tanks, 200 T-90 tanks, and 230 armored recovery vehicles—crucial for the recovery and repair of tanks on the battlefield—will undergo restoration over five years. The restoration program aims to bring the platforms to a constant operational readiness capability and extend their lifespan.
State-backed Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd (AVNL) is due to execute the upgrade plan. AVNL reportedly completed restoration of two T-72 tanks as a pilot project earlier this year.
The decision comes in the wake of state-backed defense undertakings repeatedly pushing for long-term orders as a prerequisite for investing in capacity, technology, and supply chains. The five-year span of orders is a reported departure from the previous short-term procurement model.
The upgraded platforms are likely to retain only their basic structure while incorporating new-generation equipment. The program also envisages the integration of drones into the armored fleet.
India, which clashed with nuclear-armed neighbor Pakistan last year, has undertaken a massive drive to modernize its armed forces. Earlier this month, New Delhi approved a tranche of arms purchases worth US$5.5 billion as part of the effort. In March, India approved the purchase of defense equipment worth US$25 billion, including Russian-made S‑400 air defense missile systems, various types of aircraft, and artillery systems.
The Indian Defense Ministry said the March approvals included additional Russian S‑400 Triumf systems, transport aircraft to replace the country’s ageing fleet of Soviet‑era An‑32 and Il‑76 planes, and various artillery systems.
The procurements also cover armor‑piercing tank ammunition, gun systems, and aerial surveillance systems for the army; life‑extension upgrades for Su‑30 fighter jets operated by the air force; and hovercraft for the coast guard.
