Indian Army rolls out first overhauled T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tank; a leap in modernisation
PTC News Desk: The Indian Army marked a significant milestone on Monday with the rollout of its first overhauled T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tank, a critical move aimed at bolstering the operational readiness of its armored formations, according to officials familiar with the matter.
The overhaul process is extensive and meticulous, involving the complete disassembly of the tank down to its individual components. An official, who requested anonymity, explained that “more than 200 assemblies and sub-assemblies are precisely removed and rebuilt using advanced machining and resetting techniques.” This rigorous process ensures that each tank meets high operational standards.
The rollout ceremony was attended by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, underscoring the importance of this initiative. The T-90 tanks, known for their impressive firepower, mobility, and protective features, are manufactured under license from Russia at the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) located in Avadi, near Chennai. The Indian Army has ordered a total of 1,657 T-90 tanks, of which approximately 1,300 are currently in active service. The first lot of these tanks is now undergoing the overhaul process.
The successful refurbishment of the T-90 main battle tank was carried out by the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) at the 505 Army Base Workshop in Delhi Cantonment. Technicians at the workshop, utilising specialised machines and test benches provided by the original equipment manufacturer, have showcased their technical expertise by independently rebuilding and testing the tank’s mechanical, electronic, and instrumental components. This rigorous testing ensures that the T-90 is fully prepared for operations in diverse terrains, effectively extending its operational life.
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As the Indian Army continues to enhance its technical capabilities during what it describes as a ‘decade of transformation,’ this successful overhaul illustrates the country’s indigenous capacity to maintain and upgrade crucial warfighting platforms, officials noted.
This development comes on the heels of the recent trial of India’s new light tank, Zorawar, which is designed for rapid deployment and high mobility in mountainous regions. The tank successfully fired its weaponry for the first time at the Mahajan firing range near Bikaner.
Weighing in at 25 tons, the Zorawar tank was jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro as part of Project Zorawar, addressing the army’s need for 354 light tanks. Remarkably, this tank was developed from concept to prototype in just two years.
Upcoming trials for the Zorawar tank will include missile firing, with DRDO expected to complete various tests by January 2025. Following this, the tank will be subjected to extensive user trials, which are anticipated to last between 12 to 18 months.
During these trials, the army will assess the tank’s performance across different climates, including summer, winter, and high-altitude conditions, before it can enter production. The Zorawar tank is projected to be ready for induction into service by 2027.
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