India Signs $248 Million Deal with Russia to Upgrade T-72 Tank Engines
New Delhi — India has signed a $248 million contract with Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport to upgrade its Soviet-era T-72 battle tanks with more powerful engines, the Defence Ministry announced on Friday.
The Indian Army, which operates around 2,500 T-72 tanks first introduced in the 1970s, will replace their existing 780-horsepower (HP) engines with upgraded 1,000 HP engines. The ministry stated that the modernization aims to “enhance the battlefield mobility and offensive capability of the Indian Army.”
As part of the deal, Rosoboronexport will transfer technology to Indian state-owned Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd for licensed production of the engines, strengthening India’s push for defense indigenization.
India, the world’s largest arms importer, has long relied on Russia as its primary defense supplier. However, Moscow’s ability to fulfill orders has been impacted by its ongoing war in Ukraine, prompting New Delhi to diversify its military procurement and explore Western suppliers.
