Russia To Supply Ammunition For India T-90 Tanks

India is likely to take delivery of 16,000 rounds of ammunition from Russia for its T-90 tanks this year.
“A contract for procurement of 16,000 rounds of Fin Stabilized Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS) ammunition for T-90 tanks was signed with Rosoboronexport ... in December 2010. It became effective in March 2011, and the complete consignment is likely to be delivered in the first half of 2012,” a defense ministry official says.
The Indian army has been looking for high-quality 125mm FSAPDS ammunition for in-service T-72 and T-90 tanks. And the government was recently criticized after army chief Gen. V.K. Singh noted that there was a shortage of shells for armored regiments.
A contract for 66,000 rounds of ammunition for 84mm rocket launchers also was signed in March 2011 with Swedish firm Saab, the official says.
Meanwhile, the Russian arms export firm Rosoboronexport hopes India will be interested in upgrading its T-90 tanks into T-90MS versions. At the recent DefExpo in New Delhi, Russia displayed a prototype of its T-90MS tank. The upgraded tank has improved capabilities in firepower, protection, mobility and command ability.
India has overtaken China as the world’s largest conventional arms buyer in the last five years, according to a recent report from the Swedish Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. India spent $12.7 billion on weapons in that period, 80% of which came from Russia.

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