Bhishma tanks to be ‘made in Avadi’

The Russian made T-90S tanks are one of the most lethal Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) in the world. The tanks, assembled at the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi, near Chennai, would be deployed along Pakistan border. The Indian Army has plans now to induct 464 Russian-origin upgraded T-90 “Bhishma” MBTs along the border.

Armed with night fighting capabilities, the tank is equipped with night vision devices and a thermal imaging system. It is also protected by explosive reactive armour (ERA). The tank is known for its mobility, lethal firepower, and first-hit ability during engagements. The Indian Defence Ministry is set to place the order on the State-owned ordnance factory.

The Avadi HVF will assembly the tanks with the semi-knocked-down (SKD) kits from the Russian tank manufacturer Uralvagonzavod.

The tanks will equip 10 armoured regiments of the Army and will be inducted in the 2022-2026 timeframe. The first 64 tanks should be delivered in 30-41 months. The 46.5-ton MBT powered by a 1,000 HP engine is likely to deployed along the Pakistani border.

According to Sputnik the proposal to assemble the tanks from SKD kits was taken as the Indian facility was not producing the T-90S at the desired pace. In 2006 – 7, the HVF had signed a contract to produce 1,000 T-90S tanks under licence from Russia by 2020. But the HVF has been able to supply only 350-400 T-90S to date.

The T-90 (Bhishma) tank was displayed during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi and earlier at the defence exhibition. The T-90S tank is equipped with a 125 mm smoothbore gun stabilised in elevation and azimuth that is capable of firing all types of ammunition, including laser-guided missiles (Invar) to a range of 5 km. The gun has an automatic loader ensuring a high rate of fire. The tanks additionally have a 12.7 mm anti-craft machine gun and 7.62 mm co-axial machine gun supported with high accuracy sighting systems.

The Union Cabinet Committee on Security had given clearance for the procurement of additional 464 T-90S at a cost of around USD $1.93 billion (Rs. 13,448 crore). The procurement was approved in November 2016.

 deccanchronicle