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India's T-90S Bhishma Tanks from Russia are the Backbone of the Indian Armed Forces.


During the 2025 Republic Day military parade, the Indian Army proudly showcased its T-90S Bhishma Main Battle Tank (MBT), locally nicknamed Bhishma, a centerpiece of its defense capabilities. This modern main battle tank (MBT) has become synonymous with India's armored warfare strength, symbolizing the close and long-standing military ties between India and Russia. The T-90S is the backbone of the Indian Army's armored formations, alongside the domestically produced Arjun and the older T-72.
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The T-90S "Bhishma" main battle tank was proudly showcased during the 2025 Republic Day military parade, representing the strength and modernization of India's armored forces. (Picture source: The Free Press Journal)


According to the Military Balance 2024, the Indian Army operates a total of 3,740 MBTs. This diverse fleet includes 122 locally made Arjun tanks, 2,418 Russian T-72M1s, and 1,200 T-90S tanks, which collectively ensure that India maintains a formidable armored force. The T-90S, in particular, has been integral to India’s defense modernization efforts, benefiting from advanced technology transfers and local manufacturing under license.

The T-90S "Bhishma" is a variant of the Russian T-90, widely regarded as one of the most advanced MBTs in service globally. With its powerful 125mm smoothbore gun, composite armor, and modern fire control systems, the T-90S has proven itself as a highly effective battlefield asset. Its ability to operate in diverse environments—from deserts to mountainous terrain—has made it a preferred choice for the Indian Army.

The name "Bhishma" was chosen to reflect the tank's strength and resilience, akin to the legendary warrior from India's Mahabharata epic. In terms of performance, the T-90S boasts of superior mobility and firepower, allowing it to engage targets at long distances, while its advanced armor and countermeasure systems provide excellent protection for the crew.

The T-90S Bhishma, specifically tailored for the Indian Army, incorporates several unique features that cater to the country's operational requirements and environmental conditions. One of the key modifications includes an indigenous, upgraded fire control system designed for enhanced accuracy and target acquisition, particularly in India's diverse combat environments, ranging from the arid deserts of Rajasthan to the rugged Himalayan terrain. Additionally, the T-90S Bhishma is equipped with a locally developed active protection system, designed to counter anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), offering an extra layer of defense for the crew. Another notable feature is the integration of Indian-made composite armor and explosive reactive armor (ERA) packages, which offer enhanced protection against modern anti-tank weapons.

The T-90S Bhishma also benefits from a more powerful engine upgrade that provides better mobility across India’s varied terrain, including high-altitude regions where many of India’s strategic defense positions are located. Furthermore, the tank has been modified with a unique digital battlefield management system (BMS) that allows seamless communication and coordination with other elements of the Indian Army's mechanized forces, improving the overall effectiveness of combined arms operations. These India-specific adaptations ensure that the T-90S Bhishma not only meets the needs of modern warfare but is also well-equipped to operate effectively within India's unique defense challenges.

India's relationship with Russia in terms of military equipment has been an enduring one, dating back to the Cold War era. Over the past decade, this strategic partnership has flourished, particularly in the domain of armored vehicle technology. The T-90S has been at the center of this collaboration, with India receiving several batches of these tanks directly from Russia, while also setting up local production lines to meet the country’s growing defense requirements.

India's T-90S procurement from Russia began in 2006 with an initial purchase of 347 tanks. By 2010, the Indian Army started producing the T-90S under license in India, with deliveries ramping up year after year. A major contract in 2013 saw an agreement for another batch of T-90S tanks, this time with 236 units, produced locally as part of an INR60 billion (approximately $1 billion) deal. This agreement, alongside earlier purchases, significantly boosted India's tank fleet.

India’s decision to produce the T-90S domestically, through the state-owned Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi, Tamil Nadu, further solidified the strategic defense ties with Russia. Over 1,000 T-90S tanks have been assembled or built entirely in India, with some upgrades in the vehicle's systems, including modernized fire control systems and armor enhancements.

India's procurement of the T-90S tanks has followed a structured timeline. The initial deal in 2006 for 347 units saw deliveries spread across several years, from 2010 to 2015. This was followed by a 2007 agreement for an additional 300 tanks, 223 of which were assembled in India as part of an INR49 billion (around $1.2 billion) deal. In 2013, India signed another deal for 236 more T-90S tanks, which were also assembled locally. These additional units, delivered from 2018 through 2022, reinforced the T-90S's status as the backbone of India's armored forces.

The Indo-Russian defense relationship, particularly in the armored vehicle sector, has been a key element of India's broader defense strategy. The T-90S, along with other Russian-made systems like the Su-30MKI fighter jets, the S-400 air defense systems, and the INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier, underscores the depth of military cooperation between the two countries. In recent years, India's defense procurement has diversified, but Russia remains a primary supplier of critical systems. In addition to direct military sales, India has benefitted from technology transfers and co-production agreements that have enabled the country to enhance its indigenous defense capabilities. The T-90S, produced under license, represents a significant achievement in this regard, as it allows India to maintain a robust armored fleet while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

The acquisition and indigenous production of the T-90S have played a vital role in India’s broader defense modernization efforts. As the Indian Army seeks to upgrade and expand its mechanized forces, the T-90S serves as an essential tool in safeguarding India's borders and maintaining a strategic deterrent. The tank's advanced features, such as its ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously and operate effectively in all weather conditions, ensure that it remains a formidable force on the battlefield.

The T-90S’s continued service, coupled with ongoing upgrades to both the platform and its associated systems, will likely ensure that it remains in active service for many years to come. As tensions in the region continue, particularly along the border with China and Pakistan, the T-90S is expected to remain an integral part of India's defense posture.

India's Republic Day parade on January 26, 2025, was a reminder of the enduring relationship between India and Russia in the defense sector, particularly in armored warfare. The T-90S "Bhishma" remains a critical component of the Indian Army's strength, showcasing not only Russia's technological contribution but also India's growing indigenous defense capabilities. With the continued production and modernization of the T-90S fleet, India is ensuring that it remains a formidable military power in South Asia, ready to meet any challenge that may arise on its borders.


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