Indian Army Launches Ambitious Rs 57,000 Crore Project for Next-Gen Combat Vehicles to Replace T-72 Tanks

The Indian Army, with a robust strength of 1.2 million personnel, is refuting rumours of the demise of the T-72 tanks, asserting that reports about their obsolescence are exaggerated. Instead, the army is embarking on a significant upgrade of its current tank fleet while also preparing to introduce next-generation tanks for future conflicts.

Senior officers argue that the widespread destruction of Russian tanks in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, particularly in the initial stages, was primarily a result of inadequate tactics rather than inherent weaknesses in the tanks themselves. Factors such as the lack of sufficient logistics chains and inadequate support from infantry, artillery, electronic warfare, and close-air support units were identified as key issues.

Emphasising the continued relevance of tanks in both offensive and defensive operations, a senior officer highlighted the unmatched combination of mobility, firepower, and armoured protection they provide in large-scale ground battles. Future tank projects are being designed with enhanced survivability, especially against aerial threats, along with improved connectivity and anti-drone safeguards.

As part of this initiative, the Indian Army plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) this year for a substantial project valued at Rs 57,000 crore. The project aims to produce 1,770 Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) in India, intended to replace the ageing T-72 tanks starting from 2030. These FRCVs will incorporate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, drone integration, active protection systems, high situational awareness, and manned-unmanned teaming capability.

In addition to the existing fleet of 2,400 T-72 tanks, the Army has already inducted 1,200 T-90S 'Bhishma' tanks, with plans to introduce the first five of the 118 indigenous Arjun Mark-1A tanks this year. The Arjun Mark-1A tanks boast numerous upgrades to enhance firepower, mobility, endurance, and protection.

Furthermore, the Army is set to induct 354 indigenous light tanks under Project Zorawar, specifically designed for high-altitude warfare against China in eastern Ladakh. These light tanks, weighing less than 25 tonnes, will feature a high power-to-weight ratio, superior firepower, and enhanced protection.

Several upgrade plans are also in progress, including the approval of a proposal to equip T-72 tanks with 1000-horsepower engines and enhancements such as thermal sights, fire detection and suppression systems. Similarly, the T-90S tanks are undergoing upgrades with automatic target trackers, digital ballistic computers, and commander thermal imagers.