The Indian Ministry of Defence has officially entered into a significant contract with Rosoboronexport, a prominent Russian state-owned arms company, amounting to $248 million for the supply of advanced engines designed for the Indian Army’s T-72 Ural main battle tanks. The agreement stipulates that Rosoboronexport will deliver state-of-the-art 1,000 horsepower engines to upgrade New Delhi’s fleet of Soviet-era tanks, which have largely relied on their original 780 horsepower engines since their production began in the 1970s.
Currently, the Indian military operates approximately 2,500 T-72 tanks, which have served as a critical component of its armored capabilities for decades. The new engines are intended to enhance the performance and operational efficiency of these vehicles, ensuring they remain a viable asset in contemporary combat scenarios.
In addition to the engine supply, the contract includes a technology transfer element, allowing India’s state-run Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd. to manufacture the new engines locally under license. This aspect of the agreement highlights India’s ongoing efforts to bolster its domestic defense manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign military equipment.
This contract follows a 2023 initiative by the Indian government, which announced plans to locally produce 500 new combat systems aimed at replacing its aging fleet of T-72 platforms. Such a move is part of a broader strategy to modernize India’s armored forces and enhance military readiness in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
The T-72 Ural, known for its robust design, measures 10 meters in length and weighs up to 44.5 tonnes. It is armed with a formidable 125-millimeter smoothbore cannon along with 7.62 or 12.7-millimeter machine guns, providing substantial firepower. The tank is also fortified with steel and composite armor designed to withstand attacks from kinetic energy penetrators, enhancing its survivability on the battlefield.
Operationally, the T-72 features a hydraulic-assisted 7-speed transmission, enabling a fuel capacity of 1,200 liters, which allows it to maintain a range of approximately 500 kilometers. With a maximum speed of up to 60 kilometers per hour, the T-72 is positioned as a versatile and powerful main battle tank within the Indian Army’s arsenal, ensuring that the modernization initiative is strategically aligned with the country’s defense objectives.
