SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Defence expert Ranesh Rajan while speaking to idrw.org has cautioned India to be wary of shell companies expressing interest in purchasing T-72 tanks from the country. This warning comes as the Indian Army prepares to retire and potentially export several hundred T-72s amidst a global rise in demand for tanks.
The Indian Army currently operates around 2,500 T-72 tanks, some dating back to the late 1970s. These tanks have served alongside over 1,000 T-90s. This once made India the world’s largest operator of both tank classes, which benefit from significant interoperability due to the T-90 being a modernized derivative of the T-72.
While T-72s offer opportunities for upgrades, their age necessitates increased operational requirements and reduces their availability. This has led the Indian Army to prioritize FRCV acquisitions that will replace the T-72 fleet from the Army from 2030 onwards.
According to a senior official, India plans to offer retired T-72s for export after modernization. This could benefit countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia seeking affordable combat vehicles. The overhaul process is expected to take place at the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi, which previously manufactured T-72s under license before shifting to T-90 production in the 2000s.
However, Mr Rajan’s caution highlights concerns about potential buyers. The recent surge in tank donations to Ukraine from European and North African countries has significantly reduced available surpluses worldwide, making the Indian T-72s a potentially attractive proposition to many who might be interested in rerouting to Ukraine.
India should carefully vet potential buyers to ensure the T-72s don’t fall into the wrong hands or become destabilizing factors in conflict zones. Stringent checks and a focus on legitimate defense forces are crucial to avoid unintended consequences.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.