SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant stride toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing, DND Enterprises, a Chandrapur-based company, has delivered the first commercial batch of pre-heating systems for the Indian Army’s Russian-origin T-90 and T-72 main battle tanks.
These pre-heaters, flagged off on April 8, 2025, from the company’s facility in Yensa, Warora tehsil, are designed to ensure the tanks operate effectively in the extreme cold and high-altitude conditions of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) along the China border. This development not only reduces India’s reliance on Russian imports but also highlights the growing role of small-scale industries in Vidarbha in supporting national security.
The T-90 and T-72 tanks, mainstay assets of the Indian Army, face significant operational challenges in the frigid temperatures of eastern Ladakh, where winter temperatures can plummet to -40°C. At such extremes, tank engines struggle to start, as diesel fuel thickens and critical systems require pre-warming to function smoothly. The pre-heaters developed by DND Enterprises address this issue by generating a conducive temperature for the engines, ensuring operational readiness even in the harshest conditions along the LAC.
Historically, these pre-heating systems were imported from Russia, despite the tanks themselves being manufactured at the Heavy Vehicle Factory (HVF) in Avadi, Tamil Nadu. The shift to indigenous production marks a critical step in India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers amid global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. The successful delivery of these systems by DND Enterprises underscores the potential of India’s private sector to meet specialized defense needs.
DND Enterprises embarked on this project in 2021, collaborating with Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a defense public sector undertaking overseeing tank production. The company initially developed three prototypes on a no-cost, no-commitment basis, a bold move that demonstrated its confidence in the technology. These prototypes underwent rigorous trials, simulating the demanding conditions of tank operations, including 300 running hours in extreme environments. The pre-heaters passed with flying colors, proving their reliability and durability.
Dushyant Deshmukh, managing director of DND Enterprises, expressed pride in the achievement, noting that the systems are “totally indigenous” and capable of supporting tank operations for extended periods. The successful trials have paved the way for the first batch delivery, with the company anticipating further orders from the Army. The flag-off ceremony on April 8 was attended by Chandrapur Collector Vinay Gowda GC as the chief guest, alongside retired Supreme Court judge Vikas Shirpurkar, highlighting the significance of this milestone for the region.
The deployment of these pre-heaters comes at a critical juncture as India strengthens its military posture along the LAC, particularly in eastern Ladakh, following the 2020 Galwan clash with China. The Indian Army has significantly bolstered its presence in the region, with infrastructure for 450 tanks and over 22,000 additional troops, as reported by the Times of India in November 2022. The T-90 and T-72 tanks, numbering in the hundreds, form the backbone of India’s armored capabilities in this high-altitude theater, where rapid mobility and operational readiness are paramount.
China, too, has ramped up its military presence, with reports of tanks, artillery, and mechanized units in the Tibet Military District. A 2016 Global Times article criticized India’s tank deployments near the border, warning that such moves could deter Chinese investments—a claim that reflects Beijing’s sensitivity to India’s military buildup. The indigenous pre-heaters ensure that India’s tanks remain operational in this contested region, enhancing deterrence and maintaining parity with China’s forces.
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