Indian T-72 and T-90 MBTs maintained by local firm.

-India has over more than 3,500 T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks. Their serviceability and maintenance is a major cause of concern. UVZ, the Russian manufacturer of the T-72 and T-90 tanks, has authorized the Indian private enterprise Punj Corporation Limited to carry out repair and maintenance of the tanks locally.

T-90 MBT, called "Brishma" in the Indian army (Picture source: Army Recognition)

According to an estimate, the project will generate minimum $155 million income per year for the company. For all the maintenance and repair activities, including the supply of required spares, UVZ would provide full technical support, personnel and ensure conformance to quality.

"The requirement of a suitable and simpler mechanism to improve the serviceability of tanks has been a long pending demand of the Indian government. This has now been initiated through the participation of Indian private industry," Igor Kolikov, the Deputy Director General of UVZ said.

The Indian Army also plans to make the Russian origin T-72 and T-90 tanks more lethal by upgrading their missile systems. The Indian government has approved the purchase of third generation anti-tank missile systems which will make the T-90 and T-72 capable of hitting targets up to 8 kilometers during the day as well as night. Currently, the T-90 "Brishma" fleet of the Indian Army is armed with the INVAR missile system. Following the upgrade, which will be done by the Indian private industry, the missiles would be capable of being fired from the 125 mm gun barrel.