There are indications of giving new momentum to defense cooperation between India and Russia. Russian government export agency Rosoboronexport has offered licensed production of the state-of-the-art T-90MS main battle tank in India. The proposal comes on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the historic T-90 agreement signed on 15 February 2001.
Russia says production of the upgraded T-90MS could be started relatively quickly by using existing facilities in India that already produce and assemble T-90MS variants. Many local spare parts and ammunition are already being mass produced in India, which can strengthen the supply chain.
The original contract signed between the Indian Ministry of Defense and Rosoboronexport in 2001 covered the supply of fully built T-90MS tanks as well as semi-knocked-down and completely-knocked-down kits to enable local assembly in India. In 1999, three prototype tanks were rigorously tested over 2,000 km in the Thar Desert, performing in extreme temperatures and on diverse terrain, including engine removal in the field. At that time, Russia’s defense industry was facing financial challenges and this deal proved to be important for it.
In 2019, India had approved a $2.8 billion deal for the license production of 464 T-90MS tanks under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which was considered a major step towards indigenization. However, no new contract has been formally announced following the recent Russian proposal. In the statement, Rosoboronexport has expressed readiness for upgrade cooperation in the units of Heavy Vehicles Factory and Armed Vehicles Corporation Limited (AVNL).
The T-90MS offers a comprehensive upgrade over the Indian Army’s existing T-90S ‘Bhishma’ tanks. It includes modern capabilities such as the ‘Kalina’ fire control system, 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun, 1,130 hp V-92S2F engine, and ‘Relict’ explosive reactive armour. This tank offers a maximum speed of 70 kmph and a road range of approximately 550 km. Improved thermal imaging, hunter-killer capability and 360-degree camera system enhance its lethality and survivability.
India has more than 1,000 tanks of the T-90 ‘Bhishma’ series, which are considered the backbone of its armored capability. Production has been concentrated primarily at the factory at Avadi and supplies of the Mk-III version have also continued in recent years. The operational availability rate is estimated at between 850–900 tanks, depending on maintenance and supply factors.
In the geopolitical context, the proposal comes at a time when Russia is trying to maintain its traditional export markets. For India, this initiative can be seen as an interim solution to future main battle tank requirements, which can strengthen strategic deterrence capability while complementing indigenous projects. At present no deadline for talks has been announced and the proposal is in the initial stage.
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