Indian Army receives first batch of indigenous T-90S tanks

Chennai: The first batch of 10 indigenously built, state-of-the-art, T-90S 'Bhishma' main battle tanks, rolled out of the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) at Avadi near here for induction in the Indian Army's 73 Armoured Regiment. Their production marks the crossing of another milestone in the nation's efforts to indigenise its burgeoning defence imports.  

The tanks carry a host of impressive features, including protection from nuclear attack.

The tanks, each costing around Rs 14-15 crore, were flagged off from the HVF factory by minister of state for defence, MM Pallam Raju.

The tank's field advanced capabilities, such as the ability to fire guided missiles, in addition to the conventional ammunition, through the same main gun barrel. They are also equipped with guided weapon systems and computer facilities which ensure accurate firing.

So far, these tanks were imported from Russia in semi-knocked-down and fully-knocked-down kits and then assembled at the Avadi facility, located in the outskirts of the city.

Indigenous production of these tanks was held up for a almost a year as Russia and India sorted out differences over a contract, which the Russians claimed did not allow technology transfer of the main gun barrel - a critical component of  the tank.

The T-90S tank feature very many advanced capabilities in areas of mobility, protection, fighting capabilities, safety and communication.

It is equipped with a 125mm smooth bore gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun and 7.62mm co-axial machine gun.

The tank features high accuracy sighting systems and an automatic loader, which ensures a high rate of fire. A significant feature of this tank is its capability to fire guided missiles in addition to conventional ammunition using the same main gun barrel.

The integrated fire control system consisting of the gunner's sight, guided weapon system and ballistic computer facilitates accurate firing of conventional ammunitions as well as the guided missiles.

The built in Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) enhances the tank's protection, saving crew and equipment from chemical, biological and radioactive (nuclear) attack.

New thermal imagers have been installed in the tank providing it with night fighting capability and radio communication sets have been upgraded to improve communications.

HVF plans to produce 100 such tanks per year, which will fully equip two armoured regiments.