SOURCE: AFI
In an unexpected development, the Indian Army has decided to upgrade the engines of its T-90 tank fleet to a new 1350 horsepower (HP) variant, a move that has caught many observers off guard. This decision, confirmed in a recent Standing Committee report and bolstered by the Defence Acquisition Council’s (DAC) approval of eight capital acquisition proposals worth over Rs 54,000 crore on March 20, 2025, signals a significant enhancement in the operational capabilities of one of India’s mainstay battle tanks. However, the specifics of this upgrade—particularly the supplier and the engine’s origins—remain shrouded in ambiguity, sparking curiosity and speculation.
The T-90, a third-generation Russian main battle tank, forms the backbone of the Indian Army’s armored corps, with over 1,100 units in service, primarily the T-90S “Bhishma” variant. The Bhishma, tailored for Indian requirements, is currently powered by the V-92S2 diesel engine, delivering 1,000 HP. This engine, while reliable, has been seen as underpowered for the tank’s 48-tonne combat weight, particularly in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh and along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, where agility and power-to-weight ratio are critical.
In contrast, the more advanced T-90MS, an export variant showcased by Russia, features the V-96 diesel engine, producing approximately 1,250 HP. This upgrade offers improved mobility and performance over the T-90S, making it a benchmark for modernized T-90 platforms. The Indian Army’s leap to a 1350 HP engine, however, surpasses even the T-90MS, suggesting either a further uprated variant of an existing engine or an entirely new powerplant—an intriguing twist that has left experts pondering its origins.
The decision to boost the T-90’s engine power to 1350 HP appears driven by operational demands rather than incremental modernization. High-altitude warfare, as demonstrated during the 2020 Galwan standoff, requires tanks to perform efficiently in thin air and rugged terrain, where every ounce of power counts. The current 1,000 HP V-92S2, while adequate for plains and moderate altitudes, struggles to deliver optimal performance in such conditions. An upgrade to 1350 HP would significantly enhance the T-90’s power-to-weight ratio—potentially exceeding 28 HP/tonne—making it more agile, faster, and better suited for rapid maneuvers across India’s mountainous borders.
This move also aligns with broader efforts to modernize the T-90 fleet. The Bhishma Mk-III, the latest iteration inducted in 2024, already incorporates upgrades like advanced fire control systems and improved armor. A more powerful engine would complement these enhancements, ensuring the T-90 remains competitive against adversaries like China’s ZTQ-15 light tank and Pakistan’s Al-Khalid, both of which boast modern powertrains.
Russia, the original supplier of the T-90, is a likely contender. The DAC’s recent approval of a $248 million deal with Rosoboronexport for 1,000 HP V-92S2 engines for the T-72 fleet suggests ongoing collaboration. Posts on X indicate that Rosoboronexport could be tasked with supplying a 1350 HP engine, possibly an uprated V-96 or a derivative of the V-92S2F (1,130 HP), customized for the T-90. However, no Russian engine in widespread use matches the exact 1350 HP specification, hinting at a bespoke development.
India’s push for self-reliance raises the possibility of a homegrown solution. The DRDO’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) has been working on a 1,500 HP engine, dubbed “Datran,” for future main battle tanks (FMBTs). Some speculate that a derated version of this engine could be adapted for the T-90, offering 1350 HP. However, the Datran is still in testing, and its integration into an existing platform like the T-90 would require significant reengineering—casting doubt on this timeline.
While less likely, a non-Russian supplier—such as a European firm—could be in the mix, leveraging India’s diversifying defense partnerships. Yet, the T-90’s Russian design lineage makes compatibility with a foreign engine a complex proposition.
The absence of official confirmation fuels speculation. If Russia is involved, the 1350 HP engine could be a new variant developed specifically for India, building on the V-96’s 1,250 HP baseline. Alternatively, an indigenous effort might reflect India’s ambition to reduce reliance on foreign technology, though the short timeframe suggests a mature, off-the-shelf solution is more probable.
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