On Monday, the Indian Army unveiled its first overhauled T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tank, a significant milestone in ensuring the operational readiness of its armoured units. The overhaul process involved a complete teardown and rebuilding of the tank, reaffirming the army’s commitment to maintaining its critical warfighting platforms.
What the Overhaul Involved
The process saw more than 200 assemblies and sub-assemblies being meticulously removed, rebuilt, and reassembled. The overhaul was conducted by the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) at the 505 Army Base Workshop in Delhi Cantonment. Custom-built machines and testing equipment were used to ensure the tank’s full operational capability across all terrains.
Indigenous Capability on Display
Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi witnessed the ceremony, which highlighted the growing indigenous capability of the Indian Army. The successful overhaul of the Russian-origin T-90 tank demonstrated India’s technical expertise in independently rebuilding and testing the tank’s mechanical, electronic, and instrumental components.
Advancing the Army’s Modernization
This development is part of the army’s larger modernization efforts during its ‘decade of transformation.’ Alongside the T-90 overhaul, the Indian Army recently tested its new 25-tonne light tank, Zorawar, designed for rapid deployment in mountainous regions. As India continues to modernize, these advancements underscore its focus on self-reliance in defense capabilities.
Future Outlook
The T-90 overhaul and the ongoing trials for the Zorawar tank are clear indicators of India’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its defense systems. With extensive trials set to begin, these tanks are expected to strengthen India’s armored forces for years to come.
