In a significant stride towards self-reliance in defence technology, the Indian Army has successfully completed the comprehensive overhaul of a T-90 Bhishma tank at the 505 Army Base Workshop in Delhi Cantonment.
The achievement was marked by a rollout ceremony attended by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, on Monday.
This breakthrough, announced in a press release from the Indian Army, highlights the growing capabilities of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME).
The overhaul involved dismantling the T-90, a mainstay of India's mechanized forces since 2003, down to its individual components, and then meticulously rebuilding it using advanced techniques and indigenous expertise.
Over 200 assemblies and sub-assemblies were removed, refurbished, and precisely re-integrated into the tank. Technicians at the 505 Army Base Workshop utilized specialized machines and testing equipment provided by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to independently rebuild and test the tank's intricate mechanical, electronic, and instrumental systems.
Each component underwent rigorous testing using Automated Test Equipment (ATEs) to ensure its functionality and the tank's operational readiness across diverse terrains.
General Dwivedi commended the EME team for their dedication and skill, emphasizing the importance of their work in driving innovation and self-sufficiency within the Indian Army.
This achievement aligns with the 'Decade of Transformation' initiative, which aims to enhance the Indian Army's technological capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign support.
The T-90 tank, originally designed in Russia, has been produced under license in India at the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi near Chennai. The Indian Army currently operates around 1,300 T-90 tanks, forming a crucial component of its armored strength. This overhaul initiative ensures the continued effectiveness and longevity of these vital assets.
This development comes as India continues to modernize its armored fleet. Recent upgrades to the T-90 platform include the integration of Automatic Target Trackers (ATT) and Digital Ballistic Computers (DBC) to improve accuracy and reduce gunner workload.
Furthermore, the addition of software-defined radios (SDRs) enhances communication and situational awareness on the battlefield. These advancements, coupled with the demonstrated ability to overhaul these tanks domestically, signify a significant leap forward in India's armored warfare capabilities.
