India signs $248M deal with Russia for upgrading battle tank engines

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) – India has signed a $248 million deal with Russian state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, for procurement of engines for its Soviet-era T-72 battle tanks, officials said on Friday.

The Defense Ministry in a statement said the deal has been signed for “procurement of 1,000 horsepower (HP) Engines for T-72 Tanks.”

“Equipping the existing fleet of T-72 Tanks with 1,000 HP Engine will enhance the battle field mobility and offensive capability of the Indian Army,” the statement said.

The ministry said the T-72, first introduced in India in the 1970s, is the mainstay of the tank fleet of the Indian Army, which is at present fitted with 780 HP Engine.

The deal also includes transfer of technology from Rosoboronexport to Indian government-run Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited.

A defense ministry spokesman said this will “significantly enhance battlefield mobility and offensive capability.”

Russia is one of India’s top defense suppliers for decades.