The Defense Ministry has signed a contract worth Rs 586 crore to strengthen the operational preparedness of the mechanized units of the Army. Under this, Auxiliary Power Units (APU) will be purchased for T-72 and T-90 tanks.
Defense Ministry Contract: An important step has been taken towards promoting indigenous technology in India's defense sector. The Defense Ministry has signed a contract worth Rs 586 crore for the procurement of Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) for the T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks of the Indian Army. According to the ministry, this equipment will help in increasing the operational efficiency of the tanks as well as reducing fuel consumption and pressure on the main engine.
This agreement was signed with Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited in the presence of Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi. The objective of the project is to strengthen the operational preparedness of key combat platforms used in mechanized units of the Army.
What is Auxiliary Power Unit?
Auxiliary Power Unit i.e. APU is an auxiliary system providing electricity in the tank. It can provide power to many of the tank's electronic and auxiliary systems, reducing dependence on the main engine. According to the Defense Ministry, with the help of APU, power can be provided to the tank's fire control system, firing circuit, gun stabilization system and other important systems.
This is particularly useful when the tank does not need to keep the main engine running for extended periods of time during activities such as surveillance or training.
Why is APU necessary for T-72 and T-90 tanks?
T-72 and T-90 tanks are an important part of the mechanized forces of the Indian Army. These tanks contain a large number of electronic and auxiliary systems that require constant electrical energy to operate. Using the APU, essential systems can be operated even with the tank's main engine off. This may reduce the need to continuously run the engine during long periods of monitoring or training.
This arrangement can help in saving fuel, reducing the operating time of the main engine and reducing its maintenance requirements. Additionally, the risk of detection related to tank noise and heat while the engine is off can also be reduced in some circumstances.
Emphasis on indigenous technology
The Defense Ministry has also linked this project to India's defense manufacturing capability and the Self-reliant India initiative. The indigenous company getting this order for manufacturing of APU is expected to boost the development and production of this technology in the country. According to the ministry, manufacturing such systems domestically can help reduce the Indian armed forces' dependence on foreign supplies. Also, business opportunities for this technology may also develop in the domestic and international markets in the future.
Possibility of use in other military platforms also
The Indian Armed Forces has several armored platforms such as the Arjun tank and BMP, in addition to the T-72 and T-90 tanks. The need for auxiliary power systems in such military vehicles varies according to operational conditions. This agreement of the Defense Ministry can also become the basis for expanding domestic production in this sector in future. The demand for such systems may increase with new armored platforms and modernization of existing military vehicles.
Apart from India, T-72 and T-90 tanks are also used in the armies of many other countries. In such a situation, a potential export market may also exist for APU developed in India. Apart from many countries of the former Soviet region, the military fleets of countries like Iran, Iraq and Egypt also include armored platforms of Russian origin. However, the possibility of any exports will depend on the regulations of the respective countries, defense agreements and market demand.