Rosoboronexport, the arms export subsidiary of Russia's state-owned Rostec corporation, announced that India will soon commence production of the 3VBM17 'Mango' armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) tank rounds. This development will be in line with India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan' (Self-Reliant India) initiatives.
The Mango rounds, equipped with the 3BM42 APFSDS projectile, are designed to penetrate modern tanks fitted with composite armor. They are compatible with the T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks (MBTs), both of which are in service with the Indian Army.
Rostec highlighted that this collaboration will enable the establishment of key production facilities in India, facilitating the transfer of technology and expertise. The company also expressed its intention to initiate the production of gunpowder in India to further localize the manufacturing process of the Mango rounds.
This move represents a significant step in the deepening defense cooperation between Russia and India, building upon previous joint ventures like the licensed production of T-90 tanks and Igla-S man-portable air defense systems.
