New Delhi (Agencies): In a strategic move to boost local defense manufacturing, India has signed a $248 million contract with Russia’s Rosoboronexport to procure engines for the Indian Army’s T-72 tanks.
On Friday, New Delhi and Rosoboronexport, the Russian state agency for defense exports, sealed the deal which includes a significant technology transfer component. The aim is to support local production under India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, a strategy to increase self-reliance in domestic defense manufacturing.
According to a statement from the Indian Defense Ministry, the agreement encompasses the procurement of 1,000 horsepower engines for the T-72 tanks. This deal will enable Rosoboronexport to transfer technology to India’s Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited in Avadi, Chennai, facilitating the integration and licensed production of the engines within India.
The T-72, the backbone of the Indian Army’s armored fleet, currently operates with 780 horsepower engines. Upgrading to 1,000 horsepower engines is expected to significantly enhance the tanks’ battlefield mobility and offensive capabilities, thereby boosting the army’s operational effectiveness. The Indian Army operates over 2,400 T-72 tanks, making it a crucial part of their armored forces.
The T-72 is a family of Soviet main battle tanks that entered production in 1973. Designed by Leonid Kartsev and Valeri Venediktov, the T-72 has been widely exported and has seen service in over 40 countries. The tank features a 125mm smoothbore gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and a 12.7mm air defense machine gun. It has a crew of three (commander, gunner, and driver) and is equipped with steel and composite armor. The T-72 has a maximum speed of 60 km/h and an operational range of up to 500 km.
This agreement underscores the enduring defense partnership between India and Russia. Between 2005 and 2025, Rosoboronexport has signed contracts with India worth $50 billion, with Russian military equipment supplies to the country totaling $80 billion.
At India’s largest aerospace exhibition in February, Rosoboronexport General Director Aleksandr Mikheev described India as “the most important strategic partner of Russia in the Asia-Pacific region and one of Rosoboronexport’s key partners in the world.”
The air show saw Russia showcasing over 500 defense products, including advanced aircraft, helicopters, engines, and air defense systems. The fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet drew significant attention.
India remains one of the largest importers of weapons globally, with Russia being a long-term supplier and technological partner for some of India’s most advanced platforms. These include the Su-30MKI fighter and the BrahMos missile, co-developed by the two countries. Approximately 60% of the Indian military’s hardware is of Russian origin, and both nations have expressed their willingness to deepen their defense ties further.