CVRDE Plans to Induct Multiple 600 to 1500 HP Tank Engines by 2030, Potentially Ending Foreign Reliance for T-90 and T-72 Tanks

India's Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) has outlined a strategic plan to design, develop, and induct a family of indigenous engines for its armoured vehicles by 2030.

This ambitious project, spearheaded by the premier DRDO laboratory, aims to produce engines ranging from 600 to 1500 horsepower (HP), a move that could end the nation's critical dependence on foreign suppliers for its main battle tank fleet.

The initiative is a major step towards achieving self-reliance in the national defence sector. For decades, the Indian Army's armoured corps has relied on imported powerplants.

The vast fleet of T-72 "Ajeya" and T-90 "Bhishma" tanks, which form the backbone of India's armoured divisions, are currently powered by Russian-made engines. Even the indigenously designed Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) uses a German-origin engine.

This reliance creates logistical challenges, supply chain vulnerabilities, and significant long-term maintenance costs.

Significant progress has already been made at the lower end of the power spectrum.

A 600 HP engine, developed in collaboration with Indian industrial firm Ashok Leyland, has successfully cleared all performance tests and is now undergoing extensive durability trials. This engine is slated to power future platforms such as light tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and infantry combat vehicles.

The success of this public-private partnership serves as a foundation for developing more powerful variants.

Building on this momentum, CVRDE is focusing its efforts on creating high-power engines in the 1200 HP to 1500 HP category. These engines are essential for propelling heavy combat systems, including future variants of the Arjun MBT and other next-generation fighting vehicles.

By developing a comprehensive range of domestic powerplants, the armed forces will gain greater operational flexibility and ensure that future combat platforms are powered by Indian technology.

The goal to equip the armed forces with these domestically produced engines by 2030 is a structured yet challenging objective.

The development of high-performance combat vehicle engines is a complex process that demands rigorous and exhaustive testing to ensure reliability in the extreme and varied conditions where the Indian Army operates, from scorching deserts to high-altitude mountain terrain.

Successful completion of this roadmap will be a landmark achievement for India's "Make in India" initiative. It promises to provide the Indian Army with greater operational autonomy, simplified logistics, and long-term cost efficiencies, securing a vital component of the nation's defence manufacturing ecosystem.

 

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[sanket]

Very nice. 1000 hp would be ideal to power the Zorawar Tank with good mobility in mountainous regions.

 

[Mag Gal]

Very nice. 1000 hp would be ideal to power the Zorawar Tank with good mobility in mountainous regions.

But a really long timeline, that too for an automotive engine, whereas Tata, Mahindras, and even Suzuki could give one in less than a year, and yes, a tank-grade 1500 HP engine.

 

[swatkats_razor]

A good call. CVRDE should market their engines and services as standalone to commercial vehicle manufacturers as well. This will help them monetize the engine better. Furthermore, feedback from commercial interests would help CVRDE keep the design updated and relevant longer.

 

[Vf Feb]

That's the correct approach. Should have engines in all categories: 600 HP, 800 HP, 1000 HP, 1200 HP, and 1500 HP engines. And yes, please involve Tata, Mahindra, and Ashok Leyland in this effort—all SUV and truck-making companies.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

We will be developing desi subs soon. Maybe 2000 to 3000 HP engines will be used for them. We should develop such engines. To make economic sense, derive marine engines/power gensets with around 40% common parts.

 

[P.K Senapati]

Like the Kaveri gas turbine engine, a lot of time and money has been invested. People and the country are still hopeful. Even if late, it will still be useful when it comes. Just make it fast.

 

[swatkats_razor]

Like the Kaveri gas turbine engine, a lot of time and money has been invested. People and the country are still hopeful. Even if late, it will still be useful when it comes. Just make it fast.

The problem with a gas turbine jet engine is that there is no local vendor with even the remote capability to develop powerful jet engines. Contrary to jet engines, the task of CVRD is easier since there are local vendors like Tata, AL, and Eicher which can potentially develop such large engines if a need arises.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

But a really long timeline, that too for an automotive engine, whereas Tata, Mahindras, and even Suzuki could give one in less than a year, and yes, a tank-grade 1500 HP engine.

No, Tatas and Mahindras don't have the capability to develop such engines. Even for 300+ HP engines, they depend on Cummins and others for tech.

 

[Sandeep]

This is a great achievement and an important project which I’m glad it’s been a priority. We need to 100% indigenously design, develop and manufacture our own engines, automatic transmission and auxiliary power unit from our local raw materials.

Engines are a major part in a vehicle and a major part of the final cost compared to any other parts or technology in a vehicle. The 600hp engine will be ideal to use it for our future IVF and APC. This engine will provide the power, speed, reliability, durability, long range, low purchase cost, low maintenance costs and low operating costs etc that needs a reliable indigenous engine.