Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a leading state-owned defence manufacturer, has announced a significant advancement in India's quest for military self-reliance.
The company is developing a new, entirely indigenous lightweight tank, named 'Bharat', with the first prototype scheduled to be ready by the end of 2026. The announcement was made during the AeroDefCon 2025 event held at the Chennai Trade Centre.
AVNL, a Government of India enterprise, is expanding its product line while securing a robust order book. In a statement to the press, company Marketing Officer Vimal confirmed AVNL's commitment to producing top-tier combat vehicles.
"AVNL’s primary focus has always been on producing world-class battle tanks," he said, noting that five advanced tank models were displayed at the exhibition. The company oversees five major manufacturing facilities, including the prominent factory in Avadi, Tamil Nadu.
With a rich history of producing some of the Indian Army's most formidable armoured vehicles, AVNL's portfolio includes the Arjun Main Battle Tank, the T-90 Bhishma, and the T-72 Ajeya, as well as the BMP-II Sarath infantry combat vehicle.
At the AeroDefCon 2025 conclave, which ran from October 7-9, AVNL attracted considerable attention from international delegations with its display of five modern armoured platforms, signalling a shift towards next-generation defence solutions.
Detailing the project's timeline, Mr. Vimal explained that the 'Bharat' tank is a priority programme for the company.
"We are currently working on the Bharat tank project, which will be built with 100 per cent indigenous technology," he stated. "The design and development phase will be completed by the end of 2025, and by late 2026, we aim to roll out the first prototype."
The development of the 'Bharat' tank is a strategic response to the operational challenges faced by the Indian Army in high-altitude terrain, particularly along the country's northern borders.
The need for agile, lightweight tanks became more pronounced following recent border standoffs where heavier tanks, weighing 60-70 tonnes, faced significant mobility and logistical constraints in the mountainous landscape.
Designed specifically for such environments, the 'Bharat' tank will be significantly lighter, offering superior speed and manoeuvrability without sacrificing combat effectiveness.
Its key features are expected to include powerful modular weapon systems, advanced composite armour to keep its weight low, and sophisticated integrated electronics for enhanced battlefield awareness.
Crucially, the tank is being engineered without reliance on foreign components, a move that strengthens India's domestic defence industry, reduces supply chain vulnerabilities, and allows for quicker and more efficient upgrades.
