First indigenously overhauled T-90 Bhishma Mk-3 Tank inducted by the Indian Army
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| India’s T-90 modernization effort is part of a long-standing collaboration with Russia (Picture source: Indian MoD) |
On October 7, 2024, the Indian Army marked a major milestone by inducting its first indigenously overhauled T-90 Bhishma Mk-3 tank. This development highlights India’s strides in modernizing its defense capabilities and reflects the nation's growing ability to maintain and upgrade key military assets domestically. The Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, oversaw the unveiling of the upgraded tank, emphasizing its importance in transforming India’s ground forces.
The T-90 Bhishma Mk-3, known for its formidable firepower and advanced protection, offers significant enhancements to the Army's combat readiness. The Mk-3 variant includes cutting-edge targeting systems, improved survivability features, and greater mobility. Impressively, the upgraded tank boasts 83% indigenous components, including a fully Indian-made engine. This advancement aligns with India’s push to reduce dependence on foreign defense imports and build self-reliance in military technology.
Powered by a V12 diesel engine producing 1,130 horsepower, the T-90 Bhishma Mk-3 can reach speeds of 60 km/h with a range of 550 km. Weighing 50.7 tons, it maintains battlefield agility. The armament includes a 125 mm 2A46M-5 main gun with an automatic loader, a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and an optional remotely controlled 7.62 mm anti-aircraft machine gun. It also carries 42 rounds of 125 mm ammunition and 3,000 rounds of 7.62 mm ammo, alongside 12 smoke grenade launchers on the turret for concealment.
#WATCH | As part of the ongoing Decade of Transformation in the Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, witnessed the rollout ceremony of the overhauled T-90 Bhishma tank. The successful overhaul of the T-90 Bhishma was conducted by the Corps of Electronics… pic.twitter.com/qXNFqtCZvL
— ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2024
The tank’s thermal sighting system, developed by DRDO and Bharat Electronics Limited, enables target detection up to 8 km away, day or night. It also features a laser rangefinder with a 5 km range, a digital ballistic computer for precise targeting, and an automatic target tracking system for quicker engagements.
In terms of protection, the T-90 Bhishma Mk-3 is equipped with Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor (ERA) for enhanced defense against projectiles and anti-tank missiles. It also includes the Saab LEDS-150 active protection system (APS) and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) defense systems to ensure survivability against modern threats.
The overhaul took place at the 505 Army Base Workshop in Delhi Cantonment, where the tank was fully dismantled and reassembled. Over 200 assemblies and sub-assemblies were examined and rebuilt, utilizing the expertise of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME). This project, supported by specialized equipment from the original Russian manufacturers, ensures the tank’s readiness for diverse operational environments.
India’s T-90 modernization is a part of its long-standing partnership with Russia. Originally licensed and manufactured at the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi, near Chennai, the T-90 Bhishma tanks have been vital to India’s armored forces. With around 1,300 T-90s currently in service, the overhaul program aims to extend their operational life and strengthen India’s self-reliance in defense maintenance.
During the induction ceremony, General Dwivedi praised the EME officers and technicians for their dedication in overhauling these tanks. He emphasized the significance of local solutions and ongoing innovation in supporting the Army's operational readiness. This overhaul is a key part of the Army’s "Decade of Transformation" initiative, focusing on strengthening combat capabilities with indigenous expertise.
In addition to the T-90 Bhishma Mk-3 upgrade, the Army is advancing the development of new equipment, such as the Zorawar light tank. Designed for rapid deployment in mountainous regions, the 25-ton Zorawar tank recently underwent testing at the Mahajan firing range. Developed by DRDO and Larsen & Toubro under Project Zorawar, this tank is expected to enter service by 2027, with an initial order of 354 units. Its capabilities will be further evaluated through trials, including missile tests.
In conclusion, the induction of the T-90 Bhishma Mk-3 and the development of the Zorawar light tank underscore the Indian Army's commitment to modernizing its defense assets. These initiatives showcase the growing focus on self-reliance and preparation for future operational challenges.
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