India is set to refurbish and upgrade its aging fleet of T-72 tanks, with plans to export them to interested buyers in Africa, the Middle East, and Far East Asia.
A senior defence official revealed that the tanks, which have been a mainstay of the Indian Army since the 1970s, will be modernized domestically before being offered on the international market.
Despite their age, the T-72 tanks continue to be highly regarded for their reliability and are still in demand globally. India currently possesses around 2,500 of these tanks, and as it transitions to newer models, it sees an opportunity to generate revenue by exporting the upgraded T-72s.
Indian and Russian technical experts are collaborating on the modernization process, which will focus on enhancing the tanks' firepower, protection, and mobility to meet contemporary battlefield requirements.
The upgrades will be carried out at the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi, near Chennai, the same facility that has produced T-72 and T-90 tanks for India in the past.
This initiative aligns with India's broader strategy of boosting its defence exports and reducing reliance on foreign military equipment.
By offering upgraded T-72 tanks, India can provide a cost-effective and battle-proven solution to potential buyers while also contributing to its domestic defence industry.
The T-72, equipped with a 125 mm main gun, an anti-aircraft gun, and a machine gun, has served the Indian Army faithfully for decades, including during recent tensions with China in Ladakh.
As India's military modernization continues, the T-72 tanks are poised to embark on a new journey, serving as a valuable export commodity and further strengthening India's position in the global defence market.
If the export of upgraded T-72 tanks proves successful, India may also consider exporting other Russian-origin armored vehicles, such as BMPs, which are also undergoing upgrades.
