R i g h t a r d i a: Indian army receives first T-90 tanks made under Russian license

Monday, August 24, 2009

Indian army receives first T-90 tanks made under Russian license

18:3724/08/2009

Rightardia comment: The Russian T-90 performed well in South Ossetia while the turbine powered T-80 had mechanical problems. Several T-80s were also destroyed by Israeli anti-tank weapons provided to the Georgian army. The T-90 tanks should give the IAF an edge.

NEW DELHI, August 24 (RIA Novosti) - India's defense industry handed over to the army on Monday the first ten T-90 Bhishma main battle tanks assembled under a Russian license at a domestic plant, Indian media reported.

The Indian Army was the first export customer for the T-90s, which have been in service with the Russian Armed Forces since the mid-1990s. India ordered 310 T-90s in 2001 following delays in the manufacturing of the indigenous Arjun main battle tank and Pakistan's decision to purchase the T-80 from Ukraine.

An agreement was also signed for the licensed production of another 1,000 T-90s. However, production was delayed due to Russia's reluctance to transfer technology, prompting India to purchase another 300 tanks from Russia last year.

Licensed production of the tanks had earlier stalled due to a disagreement with Russia over transfer of technology, which was resolved at the end of 2008.
The Heavy Vehicles Factory at Avadi near Chennai, plans to produce 100 tanks per year.

The T-90 is equipped with 125 mm smooth-bore gun, 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun and 7.62 mm co-axial machine gun supported with high accuracy sighting systems, and automatic loader for higher firing rate.

It also features sophisticated protection from chemical, biological and nuclear attacks.

Local media cited Indian Minister of State for Defense Pallam Raju as saying on Monday that domestic production T-90 tanks was an "important milestone" for the Indian army and a step towards attaining self-sufficiency in its preparedness.

According to open sources, about 700 T-90 tanks have been deployed so far with six armored regiments in northern and central India.

The rolling out ceremony was organised at the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF).

The Bhishma tanks are equipped are supported with a high accuracy sighting systems and also Automatic Loader ensuring high rate of fire.

Bhishma’s capability to fire guided missiles in addition to conventional ammunition using the same main gun barrel is a significant factor.

The integrated fire control system of Bhishma consists with the gunner’s sight, guided weapon system and ballistic computer that supports the accurate firing of conventional ammunitions as well as the guided missiles.

The built in Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) enhances the tank protection, which will save crew and equipment from chemical, biological and radioactive attack.

The tank is also equipped with new thermal imagers which enhances night fighting capability.(ANI)