India's shift to homegrown tanks marks end of Soviet era
India has decided to retire outdated T-72 tanks. Approximately 2,400 of these Soviet-origin machines will be replaced by tanks designed and manufactured by the Indian defence industry. This is one of the most ambitious projects presented in recent years by the country’s authorities. India, known for its long-standing alliance with Moscow, has traditionally purchased weapons in large quantities from there.
Brent M. Eastwood, a former U.S. Army officer, notes in an article published on the 19FortyFive portal that India aims to prepare a modern main battle tank, distinguished by its high mobility while providing the crew with adequate protection and firepower. Plans are for it to enter service as early as 2030.
India no longer wants T-72 tanks
The T-72 is a family of main battle tanks developed by the USSR, equipped with a 125 mm cannon. The first units entered service in 1973, and over the subsequent years, many different variants were created, some designed specifically for certain countries.
India still has about 2,400 T-72 Ajeya tanks, which are the Indian licensed version of the T-72M1. Despite upgrades, these machines are considered outdated.
India will rely on domestic tanks
As of now, the fate of the T-72 Ajeya tanks, which India will retire from service, remains unknown. The new tank will be developed under the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) programme. Seventy percent of the necessary funds are to come from the Ministry of Defence of India, which is showing strong determination for the entire endeavour to succeed.
The specifications of the Indian tank intended to replace the Soviet-era machines are not yet precisely defined. The final configuration to enter production will be preceded by prototype evaluations. All should take into account the expectations of Indian authorities, emphasising the necessity of deploying a tank with "superior mobility, all terrain ability, multilayered protection, precision, lethal firepower and real-time situational awareness."
This may indicate that, unlike the T-72 Ajeya, protection will include defence against modern threats such as more advanced anti-tank missiles or kamikaze drones, which as demonstrated by the war in Ukraine, play a significant role on the battlefield.
