SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army’s formidable T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tanks, a mainstay of its armored divisions, have received a game-changing upgrade that allows them to operate underwater for up to an hour. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed advanced equipment to keep tank crews operational even when fully submerged, significantly enhancing the tanks’ ability to navigate rivers along India’s borders with Pakistan and China.
With over 1,100 Russian-made T-90 tanks in active service, these main battle tanks form the backbone of India’s armored forces. The country’s riverine terrain, particularly along its northern and western borders, poses a challenge for tank operations during military maneuvers. While the T-90 is designed to withstand water exposure, the primary concern has been the safety and functionality of the crew—typically four to five members—when submerged.
The newly developed equipment addresses this challenge by enabling the crew to breathe comfortably in water up to five meters deep for an hour. This allows the T-90 to cross rivers without compromising crew safety or operational capability. The system ensures that even if the tank is fully submerged, the crew can continue to operate it effectively, enhancing the tank’s combat role in diverse terrains.
The equipment has undergone rigorous testing at multiple facilities, including Ahmednagar and Mundak, with successful results. Defense sources confirm that the technology has been transferred to defense companies for production. The Indian Army plans to procure this equipment in two phases, ensuring widespread integration across its T-90 fleet.
This breakthrough enhances the operational flexibility of the T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tanks, enabling them to navigate India’s river-heavy border regions with greater confidence. By equipping crews to function effectively underwater, the Indian Army is bolstering its strategic capabilities, ensuring that its armored divisions remain a formidable force in any terrain.
Key Advantages of the Upgrade The DRDO’s innovation offers two critical benefits:
- Crew Safety: In the event of submersion, the equipment ensures the crew’s survival, mitigating risks associated with water crossings.
- Enhanced Combat Capability: The ability to operate the tank from underwater allows for seamless river crossings, maintaining the T-90’s combat effectiveness in challenging environments.
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.