In the 1980s, India reached an agreement with Moscow to allow the Ordinance Factory Board to produce the T-72 tank under license through the Heavy Vehicles Factory (now AVANI—Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited), which the Indian army sought to acquire. Since then, the T-72 has become the backbone of India’s armored forces, with about 2,400 units in service.
Later, following the same approach, India acquired 1,657 Russian-designed T-90S tanks. In 2019, the Indian government authorized an additional order of 464 units for $2.8 billion. Meanwhile, India’s Defense Research and Development Organization continued developing the Arjun tank program. The Indian Army ordered 118 units upgraded to the Mk. 1A standard in November 2021, supplementing the 124 already in service.
However, India plans to modernize its armored forces in the coming years. The FRCV (Future Ready Combat Vehicle) program, which aims to develop a next-generation battle tank, will achieve this. The first prototypes are expected to be ready in three to four years, with production slated for 2030. This is a significant initiative, as the Indian Army may acquire up to 1,700 units.
In addition to the FRCV, the army is also focusing on the Zorawar light tank, specifically designed for deployment along the border with China in the Himalayas.
Furthermore, the T-72 no longer has a place in the Indian Army’s plans, especially since this model has shown some flaws during the war in Ukraine, particularly regarding its carousel-type automatic loader located in the turret’s hull. New Delhi is considering offering some of these tanks on the second-hand market.
Demand remains significant. Countries in Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East have expressed interest in these tanks, despite India’s plans to retire them.
The T-72s that the Indian Army no longer wants will be refurbished or even upgraded before being put up for sale. A technical collaboration between Indian and Russian experts is underway to ensure the success of this project. In summary, Russia does not oppose this project and could potentially use this opportunity to replace some of the tanks it has lost in Ukraine.
This initiative could pave the way for the export of additional excess military equipment, such as Russia’s BMP-2 infantry battle vehicles, which also require refurbishment.
