The T-90 Main Battle Tank

#GS-3 #Economy #Infrastructure #Science & Technology #Defence #National #Current Events #Gujarat

Key takeaways

The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹586 crore Make-II contract with Accurate Industrial Controls for army tank components.
The T-90S Bhishma serves alongside upgraded T-72 tanks as a core armoured strength for the Indian Army.
The vehicle features a 125 mm 2A46 gun and a powerful 1,000 hp V-92S2 multi-fuel diesel engine.
Indigenous Auxiliary Power Units reduce fuel use and support the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth ₹586 crore under the Make-II category with Accurate Industrial Controls.
The agreement focuses on buying indigenous Auxiliary Power Units for the Army's T-72 and T-90 tanks.

It is a third-generation Russian-origin Main Battle Tank built to replace older platforms like the T-72 and T-80.
In the Indian Army, customized versions are known as the T-90S Bhishma and work alongside upgraded T-72 Ajeya tanks as core armoured units.
The Kartsev-Venediktov Design Bureau in Russia originally designed it, and Uralvagonzavod manufactures it.
It is also built under licence in India at the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) located in Avadi.
The primary goal is to provide a cost-effective, tough, and agile tank with advanced digital fire controls, missile capabilities, and strong armour in a compact size.

It carries a 125 mm 2A46 smoothbore gun that fires standard ammunition and laser-guided anti-tank missiles over long distances.
Advanced fire control and thermal imaging systems allow troops to fight effectively during both day and night operations.
The tank uses a mix of composite armour and Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) to block incoming anti-tank weapons and enemy shells.
The Shtora-1 system uses laser warnings, infrared jammers, and smoke screens to confuse guided enemy missiles.
A powerful 1,000 hp V-92S2 multi-fuel diesel engine helps the tank easily move across rough terrain, obstacles, and water bodies.

It gives the Indian Army strong firepower, solid protection, and high mobility for fighting in western deserts and high-altitude mountain areas.
Using home-built Auxiliary Power Units lets the crew run electronic systems without keeping the main engine on all the time.
This saves fuel, reduces engine wear, lowers noise and heat signatures, and supports the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.