SOURCE: AFI
In a significant milestone, the Indian Army has overhauled the T-90 Bhishma main battle tanks for the first time within India, marking a crucial step towards reducing its dependence on foreign countries for maintaining its armored fleet. Due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the supply of spare parts for the T-72 and T-90 tanks from Russia had been disrupted, severely impacting the Indian Army’s operational readiness. However, the Army has now found a solution by overhauling the T-90 Bhishma tanks domestically, breathing new life into its aging fleet.
For the first time, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi inducted an overhauled T-90 Bhishma tank into service after it was refurbished at the 505 Army Base Workshop. This accomplishment signals a major step towards self-reliance in maintaining and upgrading India’s defense capabilities.
The overhaul of the T-90 Bhishma tanks was carried out at the 505 Army Base Workshop, a facility dedicated to overhauling main battle tanks. The process of overhauling a tank is comprehensive and extends the operational life of these machines by around 20 years. The facility underwent significant upgrades to modernize its equipment and testing capabilities, enabling it to overhaul the T-90 tanks for the first time. New automated test equipment was introduced, increasing the facility’s ability to handle the complex task of refurbishing the tanks.
Brigadier Ashish Jahar, who oversees the 505 Base Workshop, emphasized the importance of this overhaul, noting that the process rejuvenates the tank, making it ready for any future mission. The overhaul includes revamping the mechanical, electronic, and fire control systems of the tank, which are essential for its performance in combat. Each component is individually tested to ensure the tank meets the required Single Shot Kill Probability (SSKP), a measure of the tank’s effectiveness in destroying enemy targets in a single shot.
The overhaul process extends the lifespan of the T-90 Bhishma by up to 20 years, allowing it to remain combat-ready and effective for years to come. This is especially critical given the current geopolitical climate, where tensions are high, and military preparedness is essential.
The successful overhaul of the T-90 Bhishma within India represents a broader push by the Indian government and the military to become more self-reliant in defense manufacturing and maintenance. As global uncertainties continue to impact defense supply chains, India has been focusing on developing indigenous capabilities to meet its military needs.
Overhauling tanks like the T-90 domestically is part of India’s larger strategy under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative. By developing in-house capabilities for the overhaul and maintenance of key defense equipment, the Indian Army is not only ensuring the readiness of its fleet but also reducing the cost and time involved in relying on foreign suppliers.