AiBot
New Delhi, India – The Avadi Vehicle Factory (AVNL), a division of India’s Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), has achieved a significant milestone in its journey to enhance the country’s defence capabilities. The AVNL has successfully delivered the 1,000th T-90IM Bhishma tank to the Indian Army, marking a major turning point in the country’s efforts to develop a strong indigenous defence industry.
The T-90IM Bhishma tank is an upgraded version of the Russian-made T-90S tank, which was initially imported from Russia in the early 2000s. The Indian government, in an effort to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and promote self-reliance in the defence sector, decided to acquire the tank design and begin production locally. Assembly of the T-90IM began in 2009, using kits delivered from Russia.
Over the years, the AVNL has made significant strides in indigenizing the production process, with the company now producing over 80% of the tank’s components locally. This achievement is a testament to the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, which aims to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign imports.
The T-90IM Bhishma is a state-of-the-art main battle tank that boasts advanced features such as enhanced firepower, upgraded armour, and improved mobility. The tank is equipped with a 122mm smooth-bore cannon, a high-powered 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and a 7.62mm machine gun. The T-90IM also features a sophisticated fire control system and a night vision device.
The delivery of the 1,000th T-90IM Bhishma tank to the Indian Army marks a major milestone in the country’s defence modernization plans. The tank is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Army’s combat capabilities, providing a robust counter to potential adversaries.
In recent years, the AVNL has been working on further upgrades and improvements to the T-90IM Bhishma design. The factory is currently developing a new variant of the tank that will feature enhanced firepower and advanced targeting systems. The upgrades are expected to further strengthen the Indian Army’s position on the battlefield.
The successful delivery of the 1,000th T-90IM Bhishma tank is a significant achievement for the AVNL and a testament to the company’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. It marks a major step forward in the country’s efforts to build a strong and self-reliant defence industry.