India's 'Mahabali' Will Boost Its Power: $248 Million Deal with Russia for T-72 Tank Engine

New Delhi: India's Mahabali tank T-72 is going to become even more powerful. On Friday, India signed a $248 million deal with Russia's state-owned Rosoboronexport (ROE). Under this agreement, 1,000 horsepower (HP) engines will be procured for the T-72 tanks, which will significantly boost the mobility and combat capability of the Indian Army.

A Defence Ministry official said that this deal also includes a Transfer of Technology (ToT) from ROE to Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd (AVNL) or Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi, Chennai. This is aimed at enhancing the 'Make in India' initiative by allowing domestic production of tank engines after initial procurement.

Why is the T-72 Tank Special?

The Russian-origin T-72s are the mainstay of the Army's tank fleet. These are currently equipped with 780 HP engines. Equipping the fleet of T-72 tanks with 1,000 HP engines will enhance the Army's battlefield mobility and offensive capability. With a fleet of 2,400 T-72 tanks, the Army has so far inducted 1,300 T-90S 'Bhishma' tanks. Of these, 1,657 tanks are being manufactured by the Heavy Vehicles Factory under licence from Russia.

Specifications of the T-72 Tank

• Weight: 41 tonnes (41,000 kilograms)
• Crew Capacity: 3 soldiers
• Cannon Length: 9,530 mm
• Height: 2,190 mm
• Width: 3,460 mm
• Maximum Speed (on road): 60 km/h
• Speed (off-road): 35-45 km/h
• Fuel Capacity: 1,590 liters
• Operational Range: 420-600 kilometers

Boost to India's Defense Strength

According to the Defense Ministry official, the addition of these 1,000 HP engines to T-72 tanks will significantly increase operational mobility in challenging terrain. India will be less dependent on foreign suppliers as a result of the Transfer of Technology (ToT), which will allow it to develop these engines domestically.

This development coincides with the Indian Army's induction of 118 domestic Arjun Mark-1A tanks as part of a September 2021 agreement worth ₹7,523 crore. With its improved mobility, endurance, and firepower, the Arjun Mark-1A fortifies the domestic tank manufacturing industry.

Future Plan: Project Zoravar for Light Tanks

At an estimated cost of ₹17,500 crore, the Indian government has also authorized the installation of 354 light tanks under Project Zoravar. Less than 25 tons in weight, these tanks will be more maneuverable in high-altitude areas, particularly along the LAC with China.

The Indian Army is equipping itself with cutting-edge tanks that provide greater mobility and firepower in anticipation of future border conflicts. The long-term defense plan of the nation is in line with this agreement with Russia for T-72 tanks.

Ongoing Military Modernization

In the past decade, India has made several strategic deals with Russia, including the acquisition of:

• S-400 Triumf missile defense systems.
• INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier.
• T-90S Bhishma tanks.
• Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets.

India is now in a position to greatly expand its ground defense capabilities with the upgrade of T-72 tanks. This agreement, according to experts, is another step in lowering India's reliance on foreign armaments producers..