India Seeks to Export Modernized Russian T-72 Tanks to African and Asian Markets.

India has decided to modernize its fleet of Russian-origin T-72 tanks with the intention of exporting the upgraded models to international markets, particularly targeting potential buyers in Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia. This decision represents a strategic collaboration between the Indian and Russian defense industries, aimed at extending the lifespan of the T-72 tanks by refurbishing them for prospective clients.
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The Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi, which has since produced upgraded T-90 tanks, will now be used as the base for modernizing the T-72 tanks destined for export (Picture source: Flickr Channel Cell105)

According to a senior defense official involved in the partnership between the two nations, the modernization process will take place in India before the tanks are exported to countries interested in acquiring these combat vehicles. The Indian Army currently operates approximately 2,500 T-72 tanks, which have served as its main battle tanks since their introduction in the 1970s. Demand for these tanks remains strong, particularly from countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Many nations have expressed interest in acquiring the T-72 as India prepares to gradually replace them with more advanced models.

Production of the T-72 tanks in India began in the 1980s at the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi, near Chennai. Before that, India had purchased 500 units directly from the Soviet Union. This same facility, which has since produced upgraded T-90 tanks, will now be used as the base for modernizing the T-72 tanks destined for export. Indian and Russian technical experts are working closely to ensure the success of this modernization process.

The T-72 has been a reliable and durable combat vehicle in the Indian Army’s inventory, equipped with a 125 mm main gun, an anti-aircraft gun, and a machine gun. It can reach speeds of 60 km/h on roads and 35 km/h off-road, and it is capable of fording rivers up to 1.2 meters deep. During the 2020 tensions with China, India deployed these tanks to the high-altitude region of Ladakh, marking the first time the T-72 was stationed in such challenging terrain.

In addition to the T-72, the Indian Army operates around 1,000 T-90 tanks and approximately 100 indigenous Arjun tanks. Despite the modernization efforts, the T-72 remains the most numerous tank in the Indian Army’s arsenal.

If the initiative proves successful, India may explore the possibility of exporting other Russian-origin military vehicles, such as BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, which are also scheduled for upgrades. The modernization of the T-72 for export could represent a new opportunity for India to expand its presence in the global defense market, offering cost-effective solutions to countries in need of reliable armored vehicles.

As India looks to the future, this modernization effort is part of a broader strategy to revamp its military capabilities by gradually phasing out older equipment while potentially boosting the export of surplus hardware. The collaboration between the Indian and Russian defense sectors will be crucial in achieving these goals.