Why tank overhaul matters: Giving India’s T-72 and T-90 fleet a new lease of life I Explained

The Indian Army is enhancing its maintenance capabilities with the establishment of a new overhaul facility for T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks at the Vehicle Factory in Jabalpur. The Indian Army's armoured fleet, which includes T-72 and T-90 tanks, requires extensive maintenance and operational readiness to remain combat-ready.

The new facility, funded at ₹472 crore, will be able to overhaul 80 tanks annually, addressing the shortfall between the Army's requirement of 230 tanks to be overhauled each year and the capacity of the existing Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi, which can overhaul 150 tanks annually. Tank overhaul involves comprehensive restoration of the vehicle's major systems, extensive inspection and repair or replacement of components, and addressing the physical condition of the tank.

By overhauling Russian-origin tanks, India aims to reduce reliance on foreign sources for spares and components, which is crucial given the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The facility could also become a demand generator for the domestic defence industry, encouraging local production of spares and components. Additionally, the overhaul process provides an opportunity to incorporate modern sensors and capabilities, making the tanks more relevant to the evolving battlefield.