The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with. Rosoboronexport (RoE), Russian Federation worth $ 248 million for procurement of 1000 HP Engines for T-72 Tanks in fully formed, completely knocked down and semi knocked down conditions.

The deal also includes Transfer of Technology (ToT) from RoE to Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (Heavy Vehicle Factory), Avadi, Chennai, for integration and subsequent licensed production of engines under ToT to boost the "Make in India' initiative in Defence Sector.

T-72 is the mainstay of tank fleet of the Indian Army which is at present fitted with 780 HP Engine. Equipping the existing fleet of T-72 Tanks with 1000 HP Engine will enhance the battle field mobility and offensive capability of Indian Army.

With the new 1000 HP engines, the T-72 fleet will see a significant upgrade in mobility, providing enhanced operational capability in diverse combat scenarios. Experts claims that this move aligns with India’s broader objective of reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and boosting indigenous defence production, especially as the country seeks to modernize its military infrastructure.

Earlier in January this year, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Heavy Vehicles Factory, a unit of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, for the procurement of 47 Tank-72 Bridge Laying Tanks (BLT) for the Indian Army at a total cost of INR 1,560.52 crore. 

The BLT is a critical equipment which is employed to launch bridges during offensive/defensive operations by Mechanised Forces. It provides integral bridging capability to the Tank and Armoured Vehicle fleet enhancing the battlefield mobility and offensive capability. 

Meanwhile Russia’s state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport revealed that total military exports to India have reached $80 billion, marking a significant milestone in decades of defense cooperation, as per Moscow Times.

According to a statement by Rosoboronexport’s director general, contracts signed between the two countries amounted to $30 billion between 1947-2005 and $50 billion between 2005-2025, underscoring Moscow’s enduring role in equipping the Indian Armed Forces.

Russia has been India’s primary defense supplier since many years providing everything from fighter jets and submarines to missile systems and helicopters.