Army plans Rs 57,000 crore project to replace T-72 tanks with modern combat vehicles
Indian Army, with a strength of 12 lakhs, is preparing for a significant upgrade of its current tanks and the induction of new-generation tanks for future battles.
In a TOI report, senior officers have stated that the extensive destruction of Russian tanks in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, primarily in the initial days, was more due to «poor tactics» than anything else. They noted that Russia deployed tanks without adequate logistics support and failed to provide sufficient backup from infantry, artillery, electronic warfare, and close-air support units.
According to a senior officer, "Combined-arms operations" were critical and missing in the conflict. Tanks remain essential for both offensive and defensive operations, offering mobility, firepower, and armored protection crucial for large-scale ground battles.
«The critical 'combined-arms operations' were missing. Tanks remain relevant for both offensive and defensive operations. There is no other platform that provides requisite mobility, firepower and armoured protection in large-scale ground battles,» a senior officer said.
«Our future tank projects are being planned with enhanced survivability, especially against aerial threats, as well as connectivity. Requisite anti-drone safeguards will ensure both individual tank protection as well as area protection for force survivability,» he added.
The Army intends to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) this year for a mega project worth an estimated Rs 57,000 crores. The project aims to produce 1,770 Future Ready
