Russia and India signed a deal extending the licensed manufacturing of T-90S Bhishma (local name) tanks until 2028: "In 2019, a deal was signed with India to extend the licensed manufacturing of T-90S tanks until 2028, and as we know, the Defence Acquisition Council approved the production of 464 tanks of this type," Denis Manturov, the Russian minister of industry and trade, said.
T-90S Bhishma (Picture source: Army Recognition)
"Besides, India has been invited to receive or participate in joint production of advanced equipment — BTR-82A, BMP-3, Sprut-SDM1 self-propelled tank destroyer," Manturov added.
The T-90 is a third-generation Russian battle tank that entered service in 1993. It is manufactured by the Russian company Uralvagonzavod based in Nizhnyi Tagil. This tank is a modern variation of the T-72B and incorporates many features found on the T-80U. Originally called the T-72BU, but later renamed to T-90, it is an advanced tank in service with Russian Ground Forces and the Naval Infantry. The T-90 uses a 125 mm 2A46 smoothbore main gun, the 1A45T fire-control system, an upgraded engine, and gunner's thermal sight. Standard protective measures include a blend of steel and composite armor, smoke grenade dischargers, Kontakt-5 explosive-reactive armor and the Shtora infrared ATGM jamming system. It was designed and built by Uralvagonzavod, in Nizhny Tagil, Russia. Since 2011, the Russian armed forces have ceased any further orders for the T-90, and are instead increasing their numbers of the T-14 Armata that began production in 2016.
The T-90S is an enhanced version of the Russian-made T-90 Main Battle Tank designed to meet the operational requirements of countries in Asia, namely India and Vietnam. It's thus also the export version of the standard main battle tank T-90. The T-90S is the latest development in the T-series of Russian tanks and represents an increase in firepower, mobility and protection. The T-90S is in service with the Russian and Indian armies. In February 2001, the Indian Army signed a contract for 310 T-90S main battle tank tanks under the name of Bhishma. In July 2017, UralVagonZavod announced in its annual report that it had secured an order from Vietnam for T-90S. Also in July 2017, it was announced that Iraq had purchased 73 MBTs including T-90S and T-90SK command post for tank battalion unit.
