A recently circulated video has highlighted the impressive hauling strength of the Indian Army's modernised T-72 Ajeya main battle tank.
The footage reveals the combat vehicle successfully pulling a TATA LPS 4018 heavy-duty commercial truck, which itself was transporting a second T-72 tank on its trailer.
This event underscores the enhanced tractive power provided by the tank's newly fitted 1,000-horsepower engine, demonstrating the military's ongoing drive to extend the operational life and versatility of its armoured fleet.
The combined weight of this logistics convoy—comprising the robust TATA tractor unit, a heavy equipment trailer, and a 43-tonne T-72 payload—is estimated to be a staggering 90 to 100 tonnes.
Successfully towing such a massive load serves as a practical testament to the immense pulling capability of the upgraded tank under extreme conditions.
Although main battle tanks are built primarily for frontline combat, their high-torque diesel engines and heavy-duty transmissions give them extraordinary towing potential.
This dual-use capability is crucial in active combat zones. It allows field units to quickly recover disabled vehicles or stuck supply trucks without waiting for specialised transport, thereby maintaining momentum and safety on the battlefield.
This display of raw power is a direct outcome of the Indian Army's comprehensive T-72 overhaul initiative.
In early 2025, the Ministry of Defence secured a $248 million agreement to acquire new 1,000-horsepower powerpacks to replace the original 780-horsepower engines.
This strategic upgrade significantly boosts the tank's power-to-weight ratio. As a result, the upgraded T-72 now boasts superior acceleration, agility across difficult terrains, and a much higher towing threshold.
The Soviet-origin T-72 Ajeya has been the workhorse of India's mechanised forces since the 1980s, with an estimated 2,400 units currently in the military's inventory.
To prevent any gap in combat readiness, the Army is aggressively modernising a large portion of this fleet with better engines, advanced thermal imaging sights for night operations, and improved protection.
These enhancements will ensure the tanks remain a formidable force until the indigenous Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) is fully inducted over the next decade.
Pulling a colossal 100-tonne load requires tremendous engine torque, a resilient transmission, and exceptional track grip, especially when navigating uneven terrain.
Such heavy-duty trials prove the mechanical reliability of the newly integrated drivetrains, ensuring they can withstand intense physical stress without failure.
While dedicated Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs) remain the standard choice for retrieving damaged armour, frontline tanks are frequently called upon to assist during sudden emergencies or tactical shifts.
Practical exercises like this hauling demonstration confirm the T-72's readiness to double as a reliable recovery asset, reinforcing the operational resilience and self-sufficiency of the Indian Army's armoured regiments.
