The Indian Army has unveiled its first upgraded T-90 'Bhishma' tank.

Defence

On October 7, 2024, the Indian Army (IA) unveiled its first upgraded T-90 'Bhishma' tank, which is an important step in improving the operational capabilities of its armored units. The ceremony was attended by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Upendra Dwivedi.


      - This initiative is part of the Army's ambitious "Decade of Transformation," showcasing India's increasing ability to develop and enhance essential military platforms.

      - The T-90 tanks are manufactured under a license agreement with Russia and are produced at the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).

      - The Indian Army has ordered a total of 1,657 T-90 tanks and currently operates around 1,300 units. The first set of these tanks is now undergoing a major overhaul.

Main Points:-   (i) The next round of testing for the upgraded T-90 'Bhishma' tank will include missile firing. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) aims to complete various trials by January 2025.

      (ii) The user trials are expected to last between 12 to 18 months. During this period, the IA will evaluate the tank's performance in different conditions, including summer, winter, and high-altitude environments. The goal is to ensure that the tank meets all operational requirements before it goes into mass production.

(iii) The T-90 is expected to be ready for induction into active service by 2027.
About DRDO

Chairman: Sameer V. Kamat
Headquarters: New Delhi
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